Survey Researchers: Career Overview, Education, and Progression
Survey researchers work to collect data, analyze it and report the results to their clients. This data helps determine public opinion, consumer satisfaction, or employee morale, among other data points. They use methods like phone and online questionnaires to gather information. Survey researchers work in various fields, such as market research, academia, government, and non-profit organizations.
Job Examples
Here are some examples of job titles that survey researchers can have:
- Market Research Analyst
- Survey Methodologist
- Data Analyst
- Social Science Research Assistant
Education and Training
Most survey researchers require a Bachelor’s degree, but some positions may require a master’s or doctorate degree. The degree can be in fields such as statistics, mathematics, economics, or psychology. Besides educational qualifications, candidates must have skills in conducting research and data analysis. Additionally, they should have knowledge of statistical software like SPSS or SAS. Employers may also prefer candidates with previous experience in research or survey work.
Progression in the Field
Entry-level survey researchers usually start as research assistants or interviewers, gathering data in the field. From there, they may move up to become survey coordinators, where they manage a team of interviewers and oversee data collection. Next, they can move on to become project managers, who are responsible for designing and executing research projects from start to finish. Experienced survey researchers can become methodologists, developing new data collection methods and analyzing research data to a high level.
Getting Started
If you are interested in becoming a survey researcher, first gain experience in research and data analysis, either through internships or coursework. Then, seek out entry-level positions in organizations such as market research firms or polling companies. Additionally, consider earning a degree or certification in survey research methods or statistics to stand out as a candidate.
Salary Data for Survey Researchers
The average salary for survey researchers is $74,880.00, according to US National Average data. The data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that San Francisco-Redwood City-South San Francisco (CA) is the top-paying area, while Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin (SC) is the lowest-paying. The unionization status does not significantly affect salary levels for Survey Researchers.
| Geography | Job Level | Union Status | Salary (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US National Average | All workers | Not able to be leveled | $74,880.00 |
| US National Average | All levels | Nonunion | $65,457.60 |
| US National Average | All levels | Full-time | $69,555.20 |
| US National Average | Not able to be leveled | Full-time | $81,494.40 |
| US National Average | All levels | Time-based pay | $66,393.60 |
Conclusion
Survey researchers play a vital role in gathering data for various fields and organizations. They need a bachelor’s degree in fields like statistics, mathematics, economics, or psychology, along with experience in research and data analysis. Survey researchers usually start as research assistants and move up the ladder to become project managers or methodologists with experience. The average salary for survey researchers is $74,880.00, and this data is not significantly affected by unionization.
