Survey Researchers

Overview

Survey Researchers has a national median salary of $69,460 per year, with -4.8% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a master's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Independence
• Achievement
• Recognition

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• 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.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Processing Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Getting Information
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a master's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a doctoral or professional degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Doctoral or professional degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a master's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Survey Researchers:

Video Resources