Survey Researchers

SOC code 19-3022 · O*NET-SOC 19-3022.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Science and engineering

Survey Researchers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$69,460

a year

Hourly

$33.40

per hour

10th$39,260Median$69,46090th$130,860

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$79,580

$38.26 per hour

Middle 50%

$51,270 – $99,760

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$39,260 – $130,860

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

8,290

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $39,260; $18.87/hr
25th percentile: $51,270; $24.65/hr
Median percentile: $69,460; $33.40/hr
75th percentile: $99,760; $47.96/hr
90th percentile: $130,860; $62.91/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

-5%

Declining

8,800

jobs in 2024

8,300

projected for 2034

About 500 fewer jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a survey researcher do?

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.

The tasks that matter most 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.

How to become a survey researcher

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree50%
Master's Degree38%
Post-Master's Certificate4%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.4%

Common questions

How much does a survey researcher earn?

The national median is $69,460 a year. The full range runs from $39,260 at the 10th percentile to $130,860 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a survey researcher without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is survey researcher in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 5% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.3/5
Active Listening4.3/5
Writing4.3/5
Speaking4.3/5
Critical Thinking4.3/5
Mathematics4.0/5
Active Learning3.9/5

Knowledge areas

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
Psychology3.5/5
Administrative3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.