Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data Some survey researchers design public opinion surveys Other survey researchers market research analysts design marketing surveys which examine products or services that consumers want need or prefer Most survey researchers work in research firms polling organizations nonprofits corporations colleges and universities and government agencies The majority work full time during regular business hours A bachelor s degree may be sufficient for some entry level positions The median annual wage for survey researchers was 49 760 in May 2014 SOURCE Bureau of Labor and Statistics U S Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016 2017 Edition Survey Researchers Surveys for scientific research cover various fields including government health social sciences and education For example a survey researcher may try to capture information about the prevalence of drug use or disease An anonymous survey of college students was taken to determine behaviors regarding alcohol cigarettes and illegal drugs The results were as follows 894 drank alcohol regularly 665 smoked cigarettes 192 used illegal drugs 424 drank alcohol regularly and smoked cigarettes 114 drank alcohol regularly and used illegal drugs 119 smoked cigarettes and used illegal drugs 97 engaged in all three behaviors 309 engaged in none of the behaviors