Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Research Associate
- Research Scientist
- Survey Methodologist
- Survey Researcher
Alternate Job Titles
- Analytic Methodologist
- Bilingual Field Interviewer
- Data Analyst
- Data Collection Specialist
- Data Collector
- Evaluation Analyst
- Field Collector
- Field Data Collector
- Field Interviewer
- Field Representative
- Interviewer
- Market Survey Representative
- Pollster
- Proctor
- Research Associate
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
- Cooperation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- C++
- Extensible markup language XML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
Tools & Equipment
- Laser printers
- Notebook computers
- Optical character readers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
- Scanners
- Tablet computers
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Sitting
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,950 |
| Median | $63,380 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $118,730 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 7,720
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Social Science Research Assistants
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $58,040
Management Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,190
Statistical Assistants
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $51,440
Statisticians
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $103,300
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.