Focus Group Moderator

Also called: Qualitative Researcher

Leads small group discussions to find out what people really think about products, ads, or policies.

A day in the life

Leads eight strangers through a two-hour discussion of new TV ads while clients watch through a one-way mirror, then summarizes the key reactions.

Pay over a career

Starting
$50k
Typical
$80k
High
$130k

Estimate; often freelance.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's; moderator training (e.g., RIVA).

Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Psychology, Marketing, Communications.

Outlook

Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). Estimate.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI-moderated interviews and instant transcript analysis are spreading fast; skilled live moderators keep a smaller share.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Psychology, Speech and debate, Theater.

Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3022.

More Survey Research, Polling & Demography careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.