Survey Researchers Career, Salary and Skills
Survey Researchers have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $69,460 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 8,290. Wage data is published for 63 locations.
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.
O*NET code
19-3022.00
Job zone
5
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$69,460
Hourly median
$33.40
Employment
8,290
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 4.25 | 4.25 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.25 | 4.88 |
| Active Listening | 4.25 | 4.38 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.25 | 4.62 |
| Writing | 4.25 | 4.50 |
| Mathematics | 4.00 | 4.62 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| Active Learning | 3.88 | 4.25 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.75 | 3.88 |
| Coordination | 3.38 | 3.25 |
Typical 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.
Technology
- Acarda CallAssist
- Acarda ForbiddenCalls
- Adobe ColdFusion
- Apian SurveyPro
- Argus Perceptual Mapper
- Askia Design
- Askia Vista
- Askia Web
- Askiaanalyse
- Askiaface
- Askiavoice
- C++
- CfMC COSI
- CfMC SoundSurvent
Survey Researchers salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Survey Researchers Salary in CAMedian $83,520 · Employment 1,180
- Survey Researchers Salary in TXMedian $47,330 · Employment 680
- Survey Researchers Salary in Washington, DCMedian $97,780 · Employment 620
- Survey Researchers Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $83,520 · Employment 550
- Survey Researchers Salary in MDMedian $84,030 · Employment 390
- Survey Researchers Salary in NYMedian $86,890 · Employment 380
- Survey Researchers Salary in NCMedian $96,560 · Employment 350
- Survey Researchers Salary in MNMedian $104,220 · Employment 340
- Survey Researchers Salary in ILMedian $54,080 · Employment 320
- Survey Researchers Salary in OHMedian $57,630 · Employment 320
- Survey Researchers Salary in Chicago, ILMedian $54,080 · Employment 310
- Survey Researchers Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $37,500 · Employment 260
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Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.