Survey researcher

Survey researchers plan, develop and conduct surveys for social and consumer research, and analyse and interpret the results. They may supervise survey teams.

Also known as

Survey manager, research interviewer, questionnaire designer, insights researcher, census supervisor, field interviewer, research data analyst

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings and weekends
  • Usually work in offices and may travel
  • Need to be accurate, communicate well and identify and solve problems

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$50K-$128K 50000

Typical tasks

  • Plan social sciences research
  • Create surveys
  • Conduct research on social issues
  • Collect information from people
  • Record operational data
  • Share information with clients
  • Lead research projects
  • Prepare reports and presentations
  • Supervise staff

Outlook

Survey research continues to play an important role in understanding public opinion, customer behaviour and social trends. In New Zealand and internationally, researchers are increasingly using digital surveys, online panels and data analytics tools to collect and interpret information. Advances in technology are helping improve research efficiency while creating new opportunities to explore attitudes, behaviours and emerging issues.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Ability to design and evaluate surveys
  • Attention to detail and data quality
  • Critical-thinking and problem-solving ability
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Confidence working with data and digital tools

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Further study options

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.