Survey researchers design surveys and analyze data to help organizations understand public opinions, preferences, attitudes, and behaviors. Their job involves: 1. Designing surveys: Creating questionnaires or surveys that gather specific information. 2. Collecting data: Conducting surveys through various methods like telephone interviews, online questionnaires, or focus groups. 3. Analyzing data: Interpreting survey results using statistical techniques and software. 4. Reporting findings: Presenting research findings in reports, presentations, or visualizations to clients or stakeholders. 5. Quality control: Ensuring survey methodologies are sound, data is accurate, and findings are reliable. 6. Staying current: Keeping up-to-date with survey research methods, trends, and technologies to improve data collection and analysis processes.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $42,020.00 |
25th percentile | $49,700.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $58,740.00 |
75th percentile | $67,060.00 |
90th percentile | $88,100.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $20.20 |
25th percentile | $23.89 |
median (50th percentile) | $28.24 |
75th percentile | $32.24 |
90th percentile | $42.36 |
Survey researchers typically need a bachelor’s degree in fields such as statistics, mathematics, social sciences, or a related field. Courses in research methods, statistics, and computer science are valuable for this profession. While a high school diploma may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree due to the analytical and technical skills required for the job. Advanced roles or specialized positions may necessitate a master's or doctoral degree in survey methodology or a related discipline. Training for survey researchers often involves on-the-job learning in addition to formal education. New hires may receive hands-on training from experienced professionals to become familiar with survey techniques, data collection methodologies, statistical analysis tools, and software used in the field. They might also undergo training on industry-specific best practices, research ethics, and effective communication strategies for gathering accurate and actionable data. Continuing education through workshops, seminars, and professional development opportunities is common to stay current with evolving survey research methods and technologies.