Survey researchers
SOC Code: 19-3022
Survey researchers carries a 61% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $63,380 and -5.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 8,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 61% AI exposure, Survey researchers sits 24 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 95% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Survey researchers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Survey researchers has ai exposure of 61%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Survey researchers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Survey researchers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Survey researchers (SOC 19-3022) carries an AI exposure score of 61%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 8,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -5.2% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $63,380, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Master's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Survey researchers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
- 2. Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
- 3. Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
- 4. Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
- 5. Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
- 6. Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
- 7. Collaborate with other researchers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveys.
- 8. Conduct research to gather information about survey topics.
- 9. Direct and review the work of staff members, including survey support staff and interviewers who gather survey data.
- 10. Direct updates and changes in survey implementation and methods.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Communications and Media
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Survey researchers?
Survey researchers has an AI exposure score of 61%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Survey researchers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Survey researchers is projected to decline by 5.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 8,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Survey researchers?
Key skills for Survey researchers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Master's degree.
How much do Survey researchers earn?
The median annual wage for Survey researchers is $63,380, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Survey researchers?
The typical entry-level education for Survey researchers is Master's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Survey researchers?
Survey researchers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).