Survey Researchers Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The median pay for a survey researchers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $87,290/year ($41.97/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $55K at the entry level to $215K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 115.61), so that salary is closer to $75,504 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,604/month — about 65.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $87K get you in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
About survey researchers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Entry-level survey researchers (10th percentile) start around $55K. Mid-career wages sit at $87K.Top earners bring in $215K or more - a $160K 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 San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do survey researchers make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median is $87,290 a year - that works out to about $41.97 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $54,760, and experienced survey researchers can clear $214,570. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $87K enough to live in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,462/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,604/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 66% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a survey researchers salary go in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont has a Regional Price Parity of 115.61 (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 $75,504 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.