Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Survey researchers typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. However, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions. PayThe median annual wage for survey researchers was $69,460 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of survey researchers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 600 openings for survey researchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for survey researchers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of survey researchers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about survey researchers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for survey researchers was $69,460 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of survey researchers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 600 openings for survey researchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for survey researchers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of survey researchers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about survey researchers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of survey researchers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 600 openings for survey researchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for survey researchers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of survey researchers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about survey researchers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.
Work Environment
Most survey researchers work in research firms, polling organizations, nonprofits, corporations, colleges and universities, and government agencies. The majority work full time during regular business hours.
How to Become a Survey Researcher
Survey researchers typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. However, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions.
Pay
The median annual wage for survey researchers was $69,460 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of survey researchers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 600 openings for survey researchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for survey researchers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of survey researchers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about survey researchers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most survey researchers work in research firms, polling organizations, nonprofits, corporations, colleges and universities, and government agencies. The majority work full time during regular business hours.
How to Become a Survey Researcher
Survey researchers typically need at least a master’s degree to enter the occupation. However, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some entry-level positions.
Pay
The median annual wage for survey researchers was $69,460 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of survey researchers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 600 openings for survey researchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for survey researchers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of survey researchers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about survey researchers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for survey researchers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of survey researchers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about survey researchers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about survey researchers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.