How much does a survey researcher make?
The median survey researcher in the United States earns $69,460 per year, about $33.40 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all survey researchers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 19-3022.
Survey researcher salary range
Pay for survey researchers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $39,260 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $130,860. The average (mean) wage of $79,580 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,260 | $18.87 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $51,270 | $24.65 | |
| Median (50th) | $69,460 | $33.40 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $99,760 | $47.96 | |
| 90th percentile | $130,860 | $62.91 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for survey researchers (SOC 19-3022), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Survey researcher salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Survey researchers earn the most in Minnesota at $104,220 a year, and the least in Texas at $47,330. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $104,220 | 340 |
| District of Columbia | $102,390 | 150 |
| Michigan | $101,550 | 150 |
| North Carolina | $96,560 | 350 |
| New Jersey | $95,580 | 100 |
| Wisconsin | $92,660 | 60 |
| Colorado | $89,870 | 110 |
| Connecticut | $88,320 | 110 |
| New York | $86,890 | 380 |
| Wyoming | $84,360 | 40 |
| Maryland | $84,030 | 390 |
| California | $83,520 | 1,180 |
| Iowa | $83,170 | 90 |
| Utah | $79,090 | 50 |
| Massachusetts | $74,890 | 160 |
| Alaska | $70,560 | 40 |
| Washington | $69,590 | 130 |
| Tennessee | $66,900 | 210 |
| Missouri | $66,460 | 130 |
| Oregon | $64,660 | 190 |
| Nebraska | $64,530 | 210 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,310 | N/A |
| New Mexico | $61,380 | 130 |
| Arizona | $59,210 | N/A |
| Kansas | $57,700 | 210 |
| Ohio | $57,630 | 320 |
| Oklahoma | $57,200 | 50 |
| Illinois | $54,080 | 320 |
| Georgia | $51,590 | N/A |
| Maine | $47,330 | 60 |
| Texas | $47,330 | 680 |
State median wages for survey researchers (SOC 19-3022), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for survey researchers
The BLS projects employment of survey researchers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 4.8%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 9,800 jobs in 2025 moving toward 9,300 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 600 openings a year for survey researchers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a survey researcher
The typical entry-level education for survey researchers is a master's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a survey researcher earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Minnesota, $104,220) and the lowest (Texas, $47,330) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 8,290 people work as survey researchers in the United States. At $69,460 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Survey researcher salary FAQ
How much does a survey researcher make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a survey researcher is $33.40. The middle half of survey researchers earn between $24.65 and $47.96 per hour.
What is the highest survey researcher salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of survey researchers earn more than $130,860 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a survey researcher make a year?
The median annual salary for a survey researcher is $69,460. The average (mean) wage of $79,580 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a survey researcher a well paid job?
At $69,460 a year, a survey researcher earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 8,290 people work as survey researchers in the United States.
Which state pays survey researchers the most?
Minnesota has the highest median salary for survey researchers at $104,220 a year. District of Columbia ($102,390) and Michigan ($101,550) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a survey researcher a good career?
Employment of survey researchers is projected to shrink 4.8% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 600 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a survey researcher?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for survey researchers as a master's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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