Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
O*NET 13-1161.00 · SOC 13-1161
Market Research Analyst is a solid career choice. Median pay is $79k a year with +7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 82,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design and conduct consumer surveys and focus groups
- →Analyze consumer behavior data and purchasing trends
- →Identify emerging market trends and opportunities
- →Prepare competitive analysis and market research reports
- →Present actionable insights to stakeholders and clients
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Market Research Analyst roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Market Research Analyst involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Market Research Analyst?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Market Research Analyst Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·35% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Market Research Analyst make?
The median Market Research Analyst earns $79k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Market Research Analyst jobs?
Our model puts Market Research Analyst at 35 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 35% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Market Research Analyst a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 82,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Market Research Analyst?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Market Research Analyst roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Market Research Analyst?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Market Research Analyst career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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