Survey Researchers
Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.
Is survey researchers a good career?
It scores 12/100 and ranks #622 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($69,460)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-5.2% through 2034)
- Typically requires a master's degree
What survey researchers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. survey researchers earn between $51,270 and $99,760 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live survey researchers jobs
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- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Survey researchers typically need a master’s degree or Ph.D. The master’s degree may be in a variety of fields, including marketing or survey research, statistics, or social sciences. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some entry-level positions.
To prepare to enter this occupation, students should take courses in research methods, survey methodology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Many also may benefit from taking business courses, such as marketing and consumer behavior, and social science courses, such as psychology, sociology, and economics.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although survey researchers are not required by law to be licensed or certified, certification can show a level of professional competence.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Survey researchers must be able to apply statistical techniques to large amounts of data and interpret the results correctly. They also should be proficient in the statistical software used to analyze data.
Communication skills. Survey researchers need strong communication skills when conducting surveys and interpreting and presenting results to clients.
Critical-thinking skills. Survey researchers must design or choose a survey and a survey method that together best capture the information needed. They must also be able to look at the data and draw reasonable conclusions from the results of the survey.
Detail oriented. Survey researchers must pay attention to details, because survey results depend on collecting, analyzing, and reporting the data accurately.
Problem-solving skills. Survey researchers need problem-solving skills when identifying survey design issues, adjusting survey questions, and interpreting survey results.
Related occupations
How much do survey researchers make?
The national median wage is $69,460 a year, with the middle half earning between $51,270 and $99,760 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is survey researchers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 12 of 100 and ranks #622 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -5.2% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a survey researcher?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do survey researchers earn the most?
Among states, Minnesota pays the highest median ($104,220). Local pay for every state and metro is below.