Market Researcher Training and Jobs
Schools and Degrees
A bachelor’s degree is essential to become a market researcher. A master’s degree also helps. Many aspirants often earn degrees in closely related fields such as communications, business administration and statistics.
Training and Education
Obtaining a bachelor's degree will help job seekers. Market researchers with four or more years of college are 82% of the total. An estimated 14% of workers attended college at some level but did not pursue a 4-year degree. High school was enough education for 4% of employees.
Job Overview
Market researchers collect information and help companies understand what kinds of goods customers want and the price they are willing to pay for it. They also provide assistance to companies marketing their products.
They collect statistical information about the products of competitor companies with regards to their sales, price, marketing strategy and distribution. They also make an estimate of future sales by analyzing past data.
Job Requirements
A person aspiring to become a market researcher often begins by assisting a professional. With time and experience, he/she is given an independent research project to handle.
Advanced degrees and continuing education along with work experience also help. The Market Research Association also provides certification in this field.
Previous experience conducting interviews and collecting and analyzing data can help a young graduate find a job in the field of market research. A part-time job at a consulting firm or government agency may also help.
Market researchers often spend a lot of time analyzing data, so a keen eye for detail is important. A lot of their time is spent studying data and solving problems. They need to be patient and persuasive.
Market researchers need to be aware of the latest market trends.
Nature of Work
Market researchers make recommendations to their clients or employer based on their compilation and evaluation of data. They also provide information required to arrive at decisions regarding design and distribution of products or services.
Their research also helps companies determine the launch of new product lines, sales and advertising plans.
They work for a number of clients like government agencies and corporations. Their surveys play an important role in the research process.
Market researchers may often work alone making statistical charts and writing reports. They have to be in touch with the public and may be required to travel for research purpose. They may also work as part of a research team.
Area Job Conditions
Where are jobs most numerous? Framingham (Massachusetts), San Jose (California), and Wilmington (Delaware). Least common? Mobile (Alabama), Eugene (Oregon), and Shreveport (Louisiana).
Salaries vary across the country, from highest in San Jose (California), Spartanburg (South Carolina), and Seattle (Washington) to lowest in College Station (Texas), Fort Walton Beach (Florida), and Myrtle Beach (South Carolina).
Part-Time and Self Employment
Whether by choice or necessity, 13% of market researchers work part-time. About 7% of workers do not work for a company or organization.
Market Researchers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Alabama
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | $65,000 | 190 | -80% |
| Mobile | $67,000 | 50 | -85% |
| Montgomery | $59,000 | 50 | -84% |
| Tuscaloosa | 40 | -74% |
Alaska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $58,000 | 60 | -79% |
Arizona
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff | $45,000 | 60 | -33% |
| Phoenix | $60,000 | 2,950 | -15% |
| Prescott | $61,000 | 70 | -32% |
| Tucson | $51,000 | 880 | +30% |
Arkansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | $53,000 | 240 | -32% |
| Fort Smith | $49,000 | 80 | -61% |
| Little Rock | $57,000 | 280 | -55% |
California
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | 110 | -77% | |
| Chico | $44,000 | 40 | -66% |
| Fresno | $53,000 | 230 | -62% |
| Modesto | $58,000 | 160 | -45% |
| Napa | $75,000 | 60 | -44% |
| Oakland | $76,000 | 2,110 | +10% |
| Oxnard | $62,000 | 600 | +10% |
| Riverside | $56,000 | 1,070 | -55% |
| Sacramento | $55,000 | 1,320 | -20% |
| Salinas | $52,000 | 90 | -67% |
| San Diego | $71,000 | 2,490 | 0% |
| San Francisco | $84,000 | 4,500 | +141% |
| San Jose | $100,000 | 5,170 | +201% |
| San Luis Obispo | $55,000 | 80 | -53% |
| Santa Ana | $64,000 | 3,770 | +32% |
| Santa Barbara | $76,000 | 320 | +7% |
| Santa Cruz | $70,000 | 110 | -26% |
| Santa Rosa | $54,000 | 240 | -27% |
| Stockton | $67,000 | 180 | -53% |
| Vallejo | $64,000 | 100 | -53% |
| Visalia | $46,000 | 40 | -83% |
Connecticut
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $77,000 | 1,430 | +77% |
| Danbury | $61,000 | 100 | -16% |
| Hartford | $63,000 | 770 | -28% |
| New Haven | $57,000 | 390 | -23% |
| Norwich | 140 | -36% |
Delaware
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $41,000 | 60 | -33% |
| Wilmington | $76,000 | 1,760 | +192% |
District of Columbia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $75,000 | 9,680 | +124% |
Florida
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral | $62,000 | 60 | -84% |
| Deltona | $41,000 | 70 | -75% |
| Fort Lauderdale | $55,000 | 940 | -31% |
| Fort Walton Beach | $38,000 | 40 | -69% |
| Jacksonville | $56,000 | 990 | -12% |
| Lakeland | $67,000 | 60 | -83% |
| Miami | $66,000 | 900 | -51% |
| Naples | $52,000 | 70 | -67% |
| Ocala | $61,000 | 40 | -75% |
| Orlando | $55,000 | 650 | -67% |
| Palm Bay | $53,000 | 140 | -60% |
| Panama City | $50,000 | 50 | -57% |
| Sarasota | $72,000 | 140 | -71% |
| Tallahassee | $58,000 | 130 | -55% |
| Tampa | $58,000 | 1,330 | -41% |
| West Palm Beach | $66,000 | 510 | -49% |
Georgia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | $37,000 | 40 | -68% |
| Atlanta | $62,000 | 5,180 | +17% |
| Augusta | $42,000 | 70 | -81% |
| Columbus | $57,000 | 100 | -47% |
| Dalton | $53,000 | 60 | -54% |
| Gainesville | $63,000 | 40 | -66% |
| Macon | $44,000 | 70 | -59% |
| Savannah | $52,000 | 80 | -70% |
Hawaii
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $59,000 | 220 | -73% |
Idaho
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $65,000 | 310 | -37% |
| Coeur Dalene | $56,000 | 90 | +0% |
Illinois
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $71,000 | 130 | +10% |
| Champaign | $51,000 | 180 | +12% |
| Chicago | $62,000 | 11,520 | +61% |
| Decatur | $72,000 | 190 | +152% |
| Peoria | $59,000 | 210 | -31% |
| Rockford | $52,000 | 260 | -3% |
| Springfield | $59,000 | 310 | +74% |
Indiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $58,000 | 40 | -65% |
| Evansville | $51,000 | 100 | -68% |
| Fort Wayne | $47,000 | 240 | -37% |
| Gary | $53,000 | 120 | -76% |
| Indianapolis | $59,000 | 940 | -44% |
| Kokomo | $75,000 | 30 | -46% |
| Lafayette | $52,000 | 50 | -61% |
| Muncie | $53,000 | 40 | -45% |
| South Bend | $60,000 | 50 | -79% |
| Terre Haute | $53,000 | 40 | -66% |
Iowa
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $54,000 | 30 | -50% |
| Cedar Rapids | $67,000 | 310 | +31% |
| Davenport | $52,000 | 250 | -24% |
| Des Moines | $56,000 | 890 | +48% |
| Dubuque | $45,000 | 60 | -28% |
| Iowa City | $54,000 | 70 | -42% |
| Sioux City | $60,000 | 70 | -41% |
| Waterloo | $43,000 | 100 | -31% |
Kansas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 60 | -17% | |
| Topeka | $61,000 | 210 | +10% |
| Wichita | $53,000 | 540 | -3% |
Kentucky
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington | $60,000 | 150 | -66% |
| Louisville | $69,000 | 580 | -49% |
Louisiana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | $49,000 | 150 | -78% |
| Lafayette | $51,000 | 70 | -73% |
| New Orleans | $43,000 | 280 | -70% |
| Shreveport | $41,000 | 30 | -90% |
Maine
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $58,000 | 100 | -73% |
Maryland
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $68,000 | 2,320 | -5% |
| Bethesda | $65,000 | 2,180 | +105% |
| Hagerstown | $65,000 | 40 | -77% |
| Salisbury | $79,000 | 50 | -41% |
Massachusetts
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $49,000 | 130 | -25% |
| Boston | $75,000 | 6,800 | +111% |
| Brockton | $67,000 | 140 | -8% |
| Framingham | $82,000 | 1,050 | +264% |
| Haverhill | $66,000 | 120 | -8% |
| Lawrence | $74,000 | 80 | -15% |
| Leominster | $49,000 | 50 | -38% |
| Lowell | $82,000 | 390 | +84% |
| New Bedford | $49,000 | 60 | -44% |
| Pittsfield | $44,000 | 50 | -2% |
| Springfield | $61,000 | 280 | -49% |
| Taunton | $68,000 | 40 | -46% |
| Worcester | $72,000 | 460 | +2% |
Michigan
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $56,000 | 340 | +15% |
| Battle Creek | $61,000 | 50 | -36% |
| Detroit | $80,000 | 1,340 | +2% |
| Flint | $68,000 | 120 | -50% |
| Grand Rapids | $64,000 | 500 | -28% |
| Holland | $65,000 | 130 | -26% |
| Kalamazoo | $54,000 | 130 | -46% |
| Lansing | $65,000 | 250 | -28% |
| Muskegon | $49,000 | 40 | -60% |
| Niles | $73,000 | 160 | +56% |
| Saginaw | $62,000 | 40 | -69% |
| Warren | $72,000 | 2,690 | +25% |
Minnesota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $56,000 | 80 | -64% |
| Minneapolis | $74,000 | 6,740 | +101% |
| Rochester | $84,000 | 110 | -31% |
| St Cloud | $66,000 | 100 | -43% |
Mississippi
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport | 60 | -68% | |
| Jackson | $62,000 | 100 | -78% |
Missouri
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $41,000 | 40 | -71% |
| Joplin | $65,000 | 40 | -71% |
| Kansas City | $63,000 | 1,970 | +2% |
| Springfield | $39,000 | 180 | -49% |
| St Joseph | $65,000 | 40 | -51% |
| St Louis | $62,000 | 2,390 | -5% |
Montana
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $53,000 | 70 | -49% |
Nebraska
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $52,000 | 310 | +7% |
| Omaha | $65,000 | 1,280 | +50% |
Nevada
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $56,000 | 630 | -63% |
| Reno | $56,000 | 140 | -63% |
New Hampshire
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $68,000 | 90 | -50% |
| Nashua | $64,000 | 120 | -51% |
| Portsmouth | $58,000 | 100 | +8% |
| Rochester | $58,000 | 50 | -46% |
New Jersey
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | $66,000 | 520 | -47% |
| Edison | $74,000 | 1,880 | -2% |
| Newark | $82,000 | 1,620 | -14% |
| Trenton | $66,000 | 470 | +21% |
New Mexico
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $58,000 | 280 | -61% |
| Santa Fe | $43,000 | 40 | -62% |
New York
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $61,000 | 850 | +5% |
| Binghamton | $71,000 | 160 | -13% |
| Buffalo | $62,000 | 920 | -8% |
| Elmira | $62,000 | 30 | -45% |
| Ithaca | $51,000 | 60 | -11% |
| Kingston | $47,000 | 60 | -39% |
| Nassau | $78,000 | 3,130 | +34% |
| New York | $73,000 | 18,760 | +96% |
| Poughkeepsie | $70,000 | 230 | -47% |
| Rochester | $68,000 | 1,190 | +29% |
| Syracuse | $56,000 | 500 | -12% |
| Utica | $60,000 | 100 | -55% |
North Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $62,000 | 1,280 | -23% |
| Durham | $87,000 | 690 | +39% |
| Greensboro | $53,000 | 520 | -24% |
| Greenville | $53,000 | 50 | -58% |
| Hickory | $67,000 | 170 | -41% |
| Raleigh | $64,000 | 1,080 | +14% |
| Wilmington | $58,000 | 80 | -69% |
| Winston Salem | $64,000 | 360 | -7% |
North Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $61,000 | 130 | -36% |
Ohio
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | $64,000 | 600 | -3% |
| Canton | $60,000 | 150 | -52% |
| Cincinnati | $63,000 | 2,400 | +24% |
| Cleveland | $66,000 | 1,900 | -4% |
| Columbus | $67,000 | 1,820 | +4% |
| Dayton | $57,000 | 700 | -3% |
| Toledo | $58,000 | 410 | -28% |
| Youngstown | $54,000 | 150 | -65% |
Oklahoma
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $44,000 | 820 | -22% |
| Tulsa | $54,000 | 670 | -17% |
Oregon
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene | $50,000 | 40 | -85% |
| Medford | $63,000 | 30 | -79% |
| Portland | $73,000 | 1,570 | -19% |
Pennsylvania
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $59,000 | 560 | -10% |
| Altoona | $54,000 | 60 | -39% |
| Erie | $53,000 | 130 | -41% |
| Harrisburg | $49,000 | 750 | +30% |
| Johnstown | $53,000 | 80 | -13% |
| Lancaster | $56,000 | 420 | -2% |
| Lebanon | $51,000 | 30 | -59% |
| Philadelphia | $61,000 | 6,320 | +79% |
| Pittsburgh | $54,000 | 2,640 | +24% |
| Reading | $50,000 | 220 | -25% |
| Scranton | $49,000 | 290 | -38% |
| State College | $70,000 | 130 | +41% |
| York | $50,000 | 220 | -32% |
Rhode Island
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $57,000 | 360 | -66% |
South Carolina
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $55,000 | 180 | -66% |
| Columbia | $57,000 | 210 | -67% |
| Florence | $48,000 | 30 | -79% |
| Greenville | $65,000 | 580 | +4% |
| Myrtle Beach | $28,000 | 200 | -3% |
| Spartanburg | $91,000 | 60 | -72% |
South Dakota
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $49,000 | 100 | -59% |
Tennessee
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $55,000 | 90 | -79% |
| Clarksville | $48,000 | 40 | -68% |
| Knoxville | $46,000 | 250 | -59% |
| Nashville | $53,000 | 580 | -59% |
Texas
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $62,000 | 30 | -71% |
| Amarillo | $48,000 | 130 | -24% |
| Austin | $82,000 | 2,440 | +72% |
| Beaumont | $62,000 | 80 | -71% |
| Brownsville | $54,000 | 40 | -81% |
| College Station | $36,000 | 40 | -69% |
| Corpus Christi | $50,000 | 110 | -65% |
| Dallas | $74,000 | 5,440 | +38% |
| El Paso | $41,000 | 340 | -29% |
| Fort Worth | $56,000 | 1,470 | -9% |
| Houston | $71,000 | 4,510 | -7% |
| Laredo | $50,000 | 60 | -57% |
| Longview | $55,000 | 90 | -44% |
| Lubbock | $51,000 | 150 | -29% |
| Mcallen | $43,000 | 90 | -77% |
| Midland | $56,000 | 40 | -64% |
| Odessa | $56,000 | 50 | -46% |
| San Angelo | $42,000 | 30 | -53% |
| San Antonio | $64,000 | 1,200 | -23% |
| Sherman | $46,000 | 30 | -52% |
| Tyler | $44,000 | 90 | -42% |
| Waco | $75,000 | 260 | +57% |
Utah
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ogden | $45,000 | 140 | -61% |
| Provo | $55,000 | 280 | -5% |
| Salt Lake City | $59,000 | 860 | -26% |
| St George | $50,000 | 50 | -36% |
Vermont
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $50,000 | 410 | +115% |
Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg | $63,000 | 150 | +49% |
| Charlottesville | $49,000 | 300 | +88% |
| Harrisonburg | $41,000 | 100 | +14% |
| Lynchburg | $44,000 | 150 | -13% |
| Richmond | $59,000 | 1,590 | +43% |
| Roanoke | $47,000 | 160 | -43% |
| Virginia Beach | $52,000 | 920 | -34% |
| Winchester | $57,000 | 60 | -29% |
Washington
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $51,000 | 120 | -11% |
| Bremerton | $54,000 | 50 | -64% |
| Kennewick | $56,000 | 40 | -74% |
| Olympia | $59,000 | 80 | -50% |
| Seattle | $91,000 | 7,230 | +169% |
| Spokane | $54,000 | 290 | -23% |
| Tacoma | $71,000 | 330 | -33% |
| Yakima | $60,000 | 40 | -70% |
West Virginia
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $46,000 | 40 | -84% |
| Huntington | $42,000 | 30 | -85% |
| Wheeling | $41,000 | 70 | -33% |
Wisconsin
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton | $60,000 | 100 | -50% |
| Eau Claire | $46,000 | 60 | -53% |
| Green Bay | $54,000 | 140 | -53% |
| Madison | $65,000 | 620 | +2% |
| Milwaukee | $72,000 | 1,340 | -15% |
| Oshkosh | $61,000 | 190 | +33% |
| Racine | $65,000 | 220 | +70% |
| Sheboygan | $65,000 | 40 | -57% |
| Wausau | $57,000 | 80 | -28% |
Wyoming
| City and Area | Median Salary | Employees | Job Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | $44,000 | 70 | +2% |