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Science

Survey Researchers

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$69,460

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$39k – $131k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Survey Researchers

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

Plan my path to this →

Typical progression

  1. Survey Researchers Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Survey Researchers

    Entry / Junior

    $39,260

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Survey Researchers

    Established

    $69,460

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Survey Researchers

    Senior

    $100,160

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical 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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Science

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.