Survey Researchers Salary in California

Survey researchers in California earn the most in San Francisco (average $142,860 a year) and the least in San Diego ($86,670), across the 4 California metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the survey researchers average at $102,180 and the median at $83,520 for 1,180 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $79,580.

Survey Researchers average salary by city in California

San Francisco$142,860
San Jose$127,690
Los Angeles$87,710
San Diego$86,670

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
San Francisco	$142,860	$110,540	$91,200	$99,717	116
San Jose	$127,690	$109,350	$80,800	$90,759	110
Los Angeles	$87,710	$83,520	$68,840	$66,469	114
San Diego	$86,670	$69,620	$68,680	$65,834	112

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Survey Researchers salary in other states

Survey Researchers salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-3022.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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