Survey Researchers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a survey researchers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $98,510/year ($47.36/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $166K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $95,096 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,781/month, or 28.6% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $99K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About survey researchers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level survey researchers (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $99K.Top earners bring in $166K or more - a $127K spread from bottom to top.
Survey Researchers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $102K | +62% | 110 |
| District of Columbia | $97K | +53% | 140 |
| Minnesota | $96K | +51% | N/A |
| Illinois | $93K | +46% | 250 |
| Maryland | $90K | +42% | 420 |
| New York | $83K | +30% | 370 |
| Oregon | $82K | +30% | 90 |
| Iowa | $78K | +23% | 180 |
| California | $77K | +22% | 1,090 |
| North Carolina | $77K | +21% | 260 |
| Ohio | $75K | +19% | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $75K | +18% | 50 |
| Connecticut | $66K | +4% | 130 |
| Washington | $64K | +1% | 160 |
| Michigan | $63K | -1% | 90 |
Track survey researchers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do survey researchers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $98,510 a year - that works out to about $47.36 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $39,300, and experienced survey researchers can clear $166,340. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $99K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,068/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 29.4% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a survey researchers salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median survey researchers salary is worth about $95,096 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do survey researchers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.