Changing shape

Survey researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

AI Resistance Index 5 of 99

Among the careers AI is changing fastest: more resilient than 5% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by -4.8% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on creative vision.

AI can do many of the tasks, and hiring is expected to grow slower than average or to shrink. The job is likely to change, so build the human parts of it.

Median pay (2025): $69,460
Job growth to 2035: -4.8%
Openings a year: 600
People doing it (2025): 9,800
Usual route in: Master's degree

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Where people already use AI for this work

Present research or technical information
Research biological or ecological phenomena
Research historical or social issues

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Develop research plans or methodologies
Collect information about patients or clients
Maintain operational records

What the work looks like

Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

Fewer of these jobs, as data collection increasingly occurs via mobile technologies and automated techniques.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Environmental scientists and specialists, including healthGrows with AI, Index 34, +6.1%
Social scientists and related workers, all otherChanging shape, Index 11, -0.2%
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletesGrows with AI, Index 46, +9.7%
Urban and regional plannersGrows with AI, Index 23, +3.9%

Also known as: Research Associate, Research Scientist, Survey Methodologist, Survey Researcher, Data Analyst, Market Survey Representative, Research Fellow, Research Interviewer.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.