Survey Researcher
What Is a Survey Researcher?
Position 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.
Life As a Survey Researcher: What Do They Do?
- Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
- Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
- Hire and train recruiters and data collectors.
- Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
- Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
- Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
Survey Researcher Skills
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what others are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Other Survey Researcher Job Titles
- Research Interviewer
- Interviewer
- Recruiter
- Research Assistant
- Survey Researcher
Survey Researcher Job Outlook
There were about 14,600 jobs for Survey Researcher in 2016 in the United States. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.1%, below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Survey Researcher by 2026 and estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.
How Much Does a Survey Researcher Make?
The average yearly salary of a Survey Researcher ranges between $29,620 and $103,400.
State Salary Estimates
- Alaska $59,270
- Arizona $53,660
- California $75,150
- Colorado $69,530
- Connecticut $51,740
- Delaware $61,890
- District of Columbia $73,690
- Hawaii $36,920
- Illinois $57,560
- Indiana $59,300
- Kansas $51,640
- Kentucky $57,050
- Louisiana $45,210
- Maine $56,890
- Maryland $90,920
- Massachusetts $64,950
- Michigan $64,400
- Minnesota $62,870
- Missouri $52,450
- Nebraska $34,230
- Nevada $35,410
- New Jersey $76,040
- New Mexico $39,010
- New York $74,130
- North Carolina $80,960
- Ohio $59,510
- Oregon $71,580
- Pennsylvania $60,810
- Tennessee $45,240
- Texas $60,460
- Utah $53,020
- Virginia $59,410
- Washington $66,150
- Wisconsin $48,010
- Wyoming $71,050
What Tools & Technology do Survey Researchers Use?
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Project
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Structured Query Language (SQL)
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Extensible Markup Language (XML)
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- R
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Operations Research Analysts
- Mathematicians
- Statisticians
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- College Factual
- O*NET Online