Survey Researchers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a survey researchers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $96,710/year ($46.49/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $160K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $88,823 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 37% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $97K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About survey researchers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level survey researchers (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $97K.Top earners bring in $160K or more - a $94K 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do survey researchers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $96,710 a year - that works out to about $46.49 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,790, and experienced survey researchers can clear $159,700. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $97K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,920/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 37.9% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 $88,823 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.