Occupation

Survey Researchers

Human Advantage 70%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.6 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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: Analytic Methodologist, Bilingual Field Interviewer, Data Analyst, Data Collection Specialist, Data Collector, Field Collector, Field Data Collector, Field Interviewer +24 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
  2. Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
  3. Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
  4. Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
  5. Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
  6. Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
  7. Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
  8. Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
  9. Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
  10. Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
  11. Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software.
  12. Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
  13. Write training manuals to be used by survey interviewers.
  14. Write proposals to win new projects.
  15. Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
  16. Hire and train recruiters and data collectors.

Education & Training

Job Zone 5 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: 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: 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.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
46%
Master's Degree
38%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
4%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.
4%
Doctoral Degree
4%
Post-Doctoral Training
4%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • 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
  • Oracle Java
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Perl
  • Python
  • R
  • SAS
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Zoom

Software (98)

  • Acarda CallAssist
  • Acarda ForbiddenCalls
  • Adobe ColdFusion
  • Apian SurveyPro
  • Argus Perceptual Mapper
  • Askia Design
  • Askia Vista
  • Askia Web
  • Askiaanalyse
  • Askiaface
  • Askiavoice
  • COMCON DataFriend
  • CfMC COSI
  • CfMC SoundSurvent
  • Computer assisted telephone interviewing CATI software
  • Creative Research Survey System
  • DATAN Merlin Fastab
  • Database software
  • Dataxiom StatMost
  • Dataxiom Xpro
  • EZ Forms
  • Email software
  • FaceTime
  • Future Information Research Management Confirmit
  • Gamma Associates mTab
  • Graphics software
  • Gravic Principia Remark
  • Harmoni ESPRI
  • Interviewer software
  • KMR software
  • Memphis Survey Explorer
  • Merlinco MERLIN
  • NCSS
  • P-STAT
  • Perseus SurveySolutions
  • Point-of-View QWriter
  • Postal boundary mapping software
  • Power and Precision
  • Pulsar software
  • Pulse Train Bellview CAPTI
  • Pulse Train Bellview Scan
  • Pulse Train Bellview TCI
  • Pulse Train Bellview Web
  • Pulse Train Pulser Web
  • Pulse Train Visual QSL
  • QPSMR Limited CATI
  • QPSMR Limited Input
  • QPSMR Limited Insight
  • QPSMR Limited Reflect
  • Question interchange profile QUIP software
  • QuestionPro
  • Random forest software
  • Raosoft SURVEYWin
  • Research Spectrum Survent CATI
  • SDA Survey
  • STATISTICA
  • Sales force automation software
  • Salford Systems CART
  • Salford Systems TreeNet
  • Sawtooth SSI Web
  • Scantron Technologies eListen
  • Snap Survey Software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • StarData
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Statgraphics
  • Statistical Solutions SOLAS
  • Statistical software
  • SumQuest
  • TURBO Spring-Stat
  • Verity TELEform
  • Viking data editor
  • Voxco PRONTO
  • Voxco StatXP
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (7)

  • Laser printers
  • Notebook computers
  • Optical character readers
  • Personal computers
  • Personal digital assistants PDA
  • Scanners
  • Tablet computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Education Administration & Leadership Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 5
Survey Researchers You are here

Local, State, & Federal Services Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 5
Survey Researchers You are here

Biotechnology Research & Development Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 5
Survey Researchers You are here

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