How much does a survey researcher make?

The median pay is $33.40 per hour — roughly $69,500 a year, with the real range running from about $18.87/hr (10th percentile) to $62.91/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a survey researcher?

The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a survey researcher actually do all day?

Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis. Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations. Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.

Science

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

What it pays
Survey Researchers earn a median of $33.40/hr — about $69,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $18.87/hr; the top 10% earn $62.91/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work splits time indoors and out; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 4% of survey researchers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, organized and detail-focused and take-charge.

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Quick questions

How much does a survey researcher make?: The median pay is $33.40 per hour — roughly $69,500 a year, with the real range running from about $18.87/hr (10th percentile) to $62.91/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a survey researcher?: The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
What does a survey researcher actually do all day?: Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis. Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations. Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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