Public Opinion Researchers
Overview
Introduction
Public opinion researchers, also known as survey researchers, help measure public sentiment about various products, services, or social issues by gathering information from a sample of the population through questionnaires and interviews. They collect, analyze, and interpret data and opinions to explore issues and forecast trends. Their poll results help business people, politicians, and other decision makers determine what's on the public's mind. Approximately 9,930 survey researchers are employed in the United States, man...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Starting salaries vary according to the skill and experience of the applicant, the nature of the position, and the size of the company. Survey researchers earned a median salary of $59,170 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Earnings ranged from less than $32,150 to $108,860 or more. Those in academic positions may earn somewhat less than their counterparts in the business c...
Work Environment
Public opinion researchers usually work a standard 40-hour week, although they may have to work overtime occasionally if a project has a tight deadline. Those in supervisory positions may work especially long hours overseeing the collection and interpretation of information.
When conducting telephone interviews or organizing or analyzing data, researchers work in comfortable offices, wit...
Outlook
Employment of survey research workers is expected to show little or no change through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The increasingly competitive economy means that businesses will need to be more efficient and effective in their use of advertising funds, and will need survey researchers to help in this arena. Also, public policy groups and all levels of government are hiring ...
