Survey Researcher Salary in 2026
How Much Do Survey Researchers Make?
Survey Researchers earn a median annual salary of $63,380 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $36,950 at the 10th percentile to $118,730 at the 90th percentile — a range of $81,780. The highest-paying state is New Jersey at $102,410.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,950 |
| 25th percentile | $46,110 |
| Median (50th) | $63,380 |
| 75th percentile | $85,370 |
| 90th percentile | $118,730 |
Survey Researcher Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $102,410 |
| District of Columbia | $96,670 |
| Minnesota | $95,650 |
| Illinois | $92,520 |
| Maryland | $90,190 |
| New York | $82,550 |
| Oregon | $82,300 |
| Iowa | $77,830 |
| California | $77,180 |
| North Carolina | $76,990 |
| Ohio | $75,400 |
| Colorado | $75,290 |
| Wisconsin | $75,070 |
| Connecticut | $66,220 |
| Washington | $64,160 |
| Michigan | $63,040 |
| Wyoming | $62,910 |
| Alaska | $62,640 |
| Nebraska | $61,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $61,100 |
| Kansas | $60,380 |
| New Mexico | $58,950 |
| Arizona | $58,460 |
| Tennessee | $55,950 |
| Virginia | $54,550 |
| Oklahoma | $51,900 |
| Missouri | $51,680 |
| Utah | $50,150 |
| Georgia | $48,800 |
| Maine | $42,960 |
| Texas | $36,950 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Survey Researchers
Survey Researcher Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$36,950 – $46,110 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$63,380 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$85,370 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $118,730+ |
How to Earn More as a Survey Researcher
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Survey Researchers in New Jersey earn $102,410 — $39,030 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($85,370) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Survey Researcher Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Survey Researcherthis career | $63,380 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $161,180 |
| Management Analyst | $101,190 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialist | $76,950 |
| Financial Quantitative Analyst | $80,190 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Survey Researcher requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 19-3022.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.