Survey Interviewer Job Description

What Does a Survey Interviewer Do?

For researchers, public agencies and polling firms, survey interviewers ensure the quality of the answers that studies depend on. They make sure that questions are read exactly as written, and answers are recorded accurately and sent in on time. In the case of a reluctant respondent, the fix might be something as small as offering to call back after dinner.

Also known as: Senior Survey Interviewer

Survey Interviewer Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a survey interviewer include:

• Call sampled households or businesses and introduce the study in a neutral, friendly way.
• Read survey questions exactly as written in the CATI software and record each answer.
• Follow skip patterns and probe unclear answers without leading the respondent.
• Schedule callbacks at times respondents prefer and keep promised appointments.
• Code each call's outcome, such as refusal, no answer or completed interview.
• Visit homes for in-person interviews with a tablet on field projects.
• Protect respondents' names and answers under the project's confidentiality rules.
• Explain the study's purpose and consent terms, and answer respondents' questions honestly.
• Report confusing questions or technical problems to supervisors during project debriefs.
• Convert soft refusals by addressing concerns politely without pressuring anyone.

Required Skills and Qualifications

To succeed as a survey interviewer, you will need the following skills and qualifications:

• Clear, neutral phone voice
• CATI and CAPI survey software
• Fast, accurate typing
• Following scripts word for word
• Patience with hang-ups and refusals
• Confidentiality and informed consent basics
• Bilingual skills, especially Spanish
• Flexible hours for evening and weekend calling

Education and Training

Short paid training at the start of each project covers the survey software, the script and the confidentiality rules that protect every respondent. A high school diploma is usually enough to be hired. Time in a call center or on a university research study counts in your favor.

Salary and Job Outlook

BLS projects employment of interviewers (except eligibility and loan interviewers) to decline about 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, as more surveys move online. While the group shrinks, roughly 13,200 openings a year should still come up, since many interviewers work part time and move on. Bear in mind that you are more likely to be hired if you speak a second language.

Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Interviewers, except eligibility and loan.