Survey Researchers
Machines can already do 57% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 79%. Most of the work is changing now.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Survey Researchers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 57% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 43% of them.
- Forecast: machines can already do half of its tasks, and 79% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 8,290 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $69,460 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 67% for contact with people.
- Also called: Data Analyst, Market Survey Representative, Research Associate, Research Fellow.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results | 11% | 84% to 97% | |
| Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials | 11% | 35% to 65% | |
| Analyze data from surveys, old records, or case studies, using statistical software | 11% | 83% to 97% | |
| Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys | 7% | 22% to 48% | |
| Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis | 7% | 85% to 97% | |
| Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews | 6% | 83% to 97% | |
| Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples | 6% | 30% to 60% | |
| Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations | 6% | 58% to 88% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills survey researchers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars67% of tasks by 2035 · US median $68,020
- Computer and Information Systems Managers65% of tasks by 2035 · US median $175,140
- Chief AI Officers68% of tasks by 2035
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects71% of tasks by 2035 · US median $116,580
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Survey Researchers?
Machines can already do half of its tasks. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of survey researchers?
Machines can do 57% of the tasks of survey researchers today and 79% by 2035. Most of the routine work moves to machines, and the people in the job move to oversight, judgement and client work.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 19-3022.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Survey Researchers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/survey-researchers/