Life, Physical & Social Science
Survey Researchers
Also called: Data Analyst, Market Survey Representative, Research Associate, Research Fellow
US median pay
$69,460
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-4.8%
declining
Openings a year (US)
600
9,800 employed
Typical entry education
Master's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
- Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
- Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
- Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
- Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
- Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
- Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
- Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
- Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
- Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Coordination3.4/5
- Systems Evaluation3.2/5
- Systems Analysis3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Service Orientation3.1/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.6/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.9/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Master's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree50%
- Master's degree38%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.