Prevailing Wage for Survey Researchers
Prevailing wage for Survey Researchers is set by DOL using regional wage surveys and four experience levels, so the floor a Research Scientist or Data Analyst must clear depends on where the worksite sits. Whether the role is titled Market Survey Representative or something else entirely, the sponsored salary must meet the level DOL assigns.
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Entry-level filers with limited experience performing routine survey tasks under close supervision. Typically recent graduates or those new to the field with a relevant bachelor's degree and minimal independent responsibility in research design or data interpretation.
The most common filing level for Survey Researchers. Covers professionals with moderate experience who work independently on survey design or analysis, apply standard methodologies, and may coordinate with small teams but don't set research direction.
Experienced researchers who lead projects, develop survey instruments, and mentor junior staff. DOL expects demonstrated expertise in methodology, the ability to handle complex assignments with limited oversight, and a track record of independent contributions.
Senior or lead researchers setting organizational research strategy, directing teams, and producing work with broad professional impact. Typically requires advanced credentials, substantial published or applied research experience, and full professional autonomy.
Prevailing Wage for Survey Researchers by OES area
Each shape is a DOL OES area, the unit prevailing wage is published for.
What’s an OES area?
The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wages for geographic zones called OES areas. Every U.S. county belongs to exactly one, and the wage floor applies across the whole area. A worker in Oakland gets the San Francisco metro wage, not a separate Oakland wage.
Top 10 cities · Level 1
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See which U.S. employers are actively hiring for Survey Researchers and sponsoring H-1B, OPT, and green card visas at or above the prevailing wage.
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Watch for title aliasing in research roles
Titles like Research Scientist or Research Associate are sometimes filed under social science or psychology SOC codes instead of 19-3022. If the role primarily involves survey design or data collection, confirm the LCA cites SOC 19-3022 so the correct floor applies.
Account for bonus exclusions in survey compensation
DOL prevailing wage counts only guaranteed base salary. Signing bonuses, project-completion bonuses, and publication incentives common in research environments don't count toward meeting the floor, so verify the base alone clears the required level.
Prioritize high-concentration metros for wage leverage
Federal contractor hubs like Washington, DC and finance-adjacent markets like Trenton, NJ carry L2 floors well above the national median. Targeting these metros, where government-funded survey work is dense, materially improves the offer you can expect.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsors with research hiring history
Survey Researchers sponsorship is concentrated in a narrow set of employers, mainly federal contractors, market research firms, and large universities. Migrate Mate shows which employers have sponsored the role before, helping you focus on companies with a real track record.
Jobs for Survey Researchers are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Jobs for Survey ResearchersPrevailing Wage by Reported Job Title
DOL classifies these titles under SOC 19-3022.00 alongside Survey Researchers, so the same four-tier wage schedule applies to each. Tap a title to see the full breakdown.
Data Analyst Prevailing Wage
Data Analyst Prevailing Wage
Data Analyst positions fall under SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Market Survey Representative Prevailing Wage
Market Survey Representative Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Market Survey Representative for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Research Associate Prevailing Wage
Research Associate Prevailing Wage
Research Associate is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Research Fellow Prevailing Wage
Research Fellow Prevailing Wage
Research Fellow positions fall under SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Research Interviewer Prevailing Wage
Research Interviewer Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Research Interviewer for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Research Scientist Prevailing Wage
Research Scientist Prevailing Wage
Research Scientist is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Survey Methodologist Prevailing Wage
Survey Methodologist Prevailing Wage
Survey Methodologist positions fall under SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Survey Statistician Prevailing Wage
Survey Statistician Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Survey Statistician for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Telephone Interviewer Prevailing Wage
Telephone Interviewer Prevailing Wage
Telephone Interviewer is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 19-3022.00 (Survey Researchers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DOL set the prevailing wage for Survey Researchers?
DOL draws on Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics through employer surveys in each metro area. For SOC 19-3022, DOL assigns four wage levels based on the regional wage distribution for that occupation. The employer must select the level matching the position's actual duties and experience requirements, then pay at least that wage throughout the sponsorship period.
What do the four wage levels mean and how do I identify mine?
Level 1 covers entry positions with routine tasks and close supervision. Level 2 applies to independent practitioners using established methods, and is where most sponsored Survey Researchers are filed. Level 3 covers project leads with complex responsibilities. Level 4 is reserved for senior professionals with full autonomy and strategic scope. DOL guidance says the level must reflect actual job duties, not just the title, so a role with lead responsibilities should be filed at L3 or L4 even if the title sounds junior.
Why does the prevailing wage for the same role differ so much between cities?
DOL calculates wages from regional OES surveys, so each metro reflects local employer pay practices rather than a national average. Dense employer markets like Washington, DC, where federal agencies and contractors employ large numbers of researchers, drive up the local median. The LCA rule requires using the wage for the actual worksite location, not the employer's headquarters, so a remote arrangement or multi-site role may require separate wage determinations for each location.
What happens if a job offer falls below the prevailing wage for a sponsored position?
An employer cannot certify an LCA with a salary below the DOL prevailing wage for the applicable level and location. USCIS will not approve an H-1B or other sponsored petition if the certified wage isn't met. If an offer letter shows a salary below the floor, the employer must either raise the salary, reclassify the position to a lower wage level with duties that genuinely match, or the sponsorship cannot proceed. OFLC also audits LCA compliance after certification.
How do I find and verify the prevailing wage for Survey Researchers in a specific U.S. city?
Use the OFLC Wage Search tool to look up SOC 19-3022 by metro area and wage year. Select the area matching the worksite address on the LCA, choose the appropriate level, and confirm the figure matches what the employer entered on the certified LCA. You can also check O*NET for occupational context. Migrate Mate shows which employers have sponsored Survey Researchers roles by location, so you can cross-reference real offer patterns against the DOL floor before applying.
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