Survey Researchers

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-3022
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
• Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
• Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
• Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
• Write proposals to win new projects.

Tools and technology

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, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Data Scientists
• Social Science Research Assistants
• Management Analysts
• Statistical Assistants
• Statisticians
• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
• Sociologists
• Business Intelligence Analysts

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Survey Researchers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.