Social Scientists and Related Workers

How to become a Survey Researcher

Official title: Survey Researchers

Also called: Data Analyst, Market Survey Representative, Research Associate, Research Fellow, Research Interviewer, Research Scientist, Survey Methodologist, Survey Researcher, Survey Statistician, Telephone Interviewer

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.

Main 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.
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.

How to become one

Survey researchers typically need at least a master's degree to enter the occupation. However, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions.

Typical education to start: Master's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

College: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 35 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $69,460 a year The middle half earn $51,270 to $99,760.
About 9,800 people work in this job now, and about 9,300 are projected by 2035. (-4.8%)
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Survey Researcher?

Survey researchers typically need at least a master's degree to enter the occupation. However, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions.

How much does a Survey Researcher earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $69,460 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $51,270 to $99,760.

Is a Survey Researcher a growing career in the US?

Employment is projected to fall 5% by 2035, from about 9,800 to about 9,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Survey Researcher?

Usually. 90% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Survey Researcher?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.