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Qualitative Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MarketOnce

Qualitative Research Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Design qualitative research studies for clients across a wide variety of industries. Projects will vary not only by industry, but also by general approach (IDIs, in-person and online focus groups ...

MarketOnce

Qualitative Research Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

We're seeking a seasoned qualitative research manager to design qualitative studies, develop discussion guides, moderate, analyze and synthesize transcripts and video, and report results with an ...

Inizio Ignite | Research Partnership

Extensive expertise in qualitative market research methodologies, including advanced moderation techniques, delivering actionable insights across diverse markets * Proven ability to mentor and ...

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How much do qualitative research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for qualitative research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that focuses on understanding human behavior, experiences, and social phenomena through non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and text analysis. Unlike quantitative research, which seeks to measure and analyze variables numerically, qualitative research explores meanings, concepts, and descriptions to gain deeper insights. Researchers often use open-ended questions and flexible study designs to collect rich, detailed information. This approach is commonly used in social sciences, education, health, and market research to understand complex issues from participants' perspectives.

What are qualitative research jobs?

Qualitative research jobs focus on the collection and analysis of non-numerical data to support market or scientific initiatives. Positions exist in a variety of industries, including finance, consumer goods, and health care. Market research analysts, for example, analyze consumer data to find answers to better understand and predict buying trends. Survey researchers collate and analyze data related to a number of subjects, including politics, lifestyle trends, and education. Opportunities for qualitative researchers exist in government, consulting services, and education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a qualitative researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Qualitative Researcher, you need expertise in research design, data collection methods such as interviews and focus groups, and a background in social sciences or related fields. Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software like NVivo or ATLAS.ti and knowledge of ethical research standards are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you interpret data and convey findings to diverse audiences. These skills ensure rigorous, insightful research that informs decision-making and advances understanding in various disciplines.

What are some common challenges faced in a qualitative research role, and how can they be effectively managed?

A common challenge in qualitative research is recruiting and retaining suitable participants, especially for niche or sensitive topics. Researchers also often face difficulties in ensuring objectivity during data collection and analysis, given the subjective nature of qualitative data. To address these issues, it's helpful to use robust recruitment strategies, maintain clear communication with participants, and employ techniques such as reflexivity and triangulation to minimize bias. Collaborating closely with team members and regularly debriefing can further enhance data quality and researcher well-being.

What is the difference between Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research?

AspectQualitative ResearchQuantitative Research
Primary FocusExploring perceptions, opinions, and motivationsMeasuring and quantifying data
Data Collection MethodsInterviews, focus groups, observationsSurveys, experiments, statistical analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch firms, marketing agencies, academic settingsMarket research, data analysis firms, academic labs
Required SkillsCommunication, analytical thinking, qualitative analysisStatistical skills, data management, quantitative analysis

Qualitative Research focuses on understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind behaviors through non-numerical data, while Quantitative Research emphasizes numerical data to identify patterns and measure variables. Both roles are essential in research projects but serve different purposes based on the type of data collected and analyzed.

Is qualitative research a stressful job?

Qualitative research can be stressful due to tight deadlines, the need for detailed analysis, and managing client or stakeholder expectations. However, it often involves collaborative work, flexible schedules, and the use of interview and coding skills, which can help mitigate stress for some professionals.

What does a qualitative researcher do?

A qualitative researcher designs and conducts studies to gather in-depth insights into people's behaviors, motivations, and experiences through methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations. They analyze non-numerical data to identify patterns and themes, often using tools such as coding software, and typically require strong communication and analytical skills. The role is common in market research, social sciences, and user experience fields.

What jobs use qualitative research?

Qualitative research is used in roles such as market research analyst, user experience researcher, social scientist, and product manager. These jobs involve collecting and analyzing non-numerical data like interviews, focus groups, and observations to understand behaviors, motivations, and opinions. Skills in data analysis, communication, and familiarity with research tools are essential in these positions.
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What cities are hiring for Qualitative Research jobs?

Cities with the most Qualitative Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Qualitative Research jobs?

The most popular types of Qualitative Research jobs are:

What states have the most Qualitative Research jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Qualitative Research jobs look for?

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Qualitative Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Qualitative Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Qualitative Research Manager

MarketOnce

Boston, MA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design qualitative research studies for clients across various industries.

  • Develop discussion guides incorporating techniques to surface underlying motivations and dynamics.

  • Moderate in-depth interviews and focus groups, analyze transcripts and video, and report findings with storytelling emphasis.

Job description

At MarketOnce, we empower businesses with the insights and strategies they need to excel in today's dynamic market. With a strong foundation in market research, we offer innovative solutions in research, software, consulting, advertising, and marketing to corporate, private equity firms, and other organizations seeking to achieve their goals.
Our team is distinguished by their client-centric approach-treating each client's business with the dedication and care as if it were their own. This commitment enables us to deliver personalized service and achieve the highest standards of success and innovation in everything we do. Together, our family of companies, including MarketOnce, ROI Rocket, and eAccountable, work towards delivering unparalleled solutions. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, our global team collaborates from locations across the US and Europe.
We value curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and expertise, continuously striving to push boundaries and exceed our clients' expectations. Join us to be part of a culture that drives meaningful results.
About the Opportunity:
We're seeking a seasoned qualitative research manager to design qualitative studies, develop discussion guides, moderate, analyze and synthesize transcripts and video, and report results with an emphasis on storytelling. You will bring a thorough understanding of qualitative research techniques, tools, and processes.
What You'll Do:
  • Design qualitative research studies for clients across a wide variety of industries. Projects will vary not only by industry, but also by general approach (IDIs, in-person and online focus groups, online communities/bulletin boards, ethnographies, shop-alongs, etc.) and project type (exploratory/discovery, concept and message testing, journey mapping, positioning, persona development, etc.)
  • Translate client business objectives into creative, effective qualitative research designs
  • Develop discussion guides that move beyond direct questioning - incorporating projective techniques, visual and enabling exercises, and other approaches to surface underlying motivations and dynamics
  • Moderate in-depth interviews and focus groups, in person and over the internet, with skill, warmth and adaptability
  • Analyze and synthesize transcripts and video to identify the themes, tensions and insights that matter most to the business question
  • Report qualitative findings in PPT and other formats (memos, white papers, video reels, etc.) with an emphasis on storytelling
  • Select and manage qualitative vendors and facilities, and oversee recruiting against target specifications
  • Lead discussions and debriefings with clients in person or over the internet
  • Provide professional development training for colleagues/junior staff
  • Develop and present webinars for clients/prospects

What We're Looking For:
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in qualitative research with a demonstrable track record of high performance
  • A portfolio of past work you can share - including discussion guides, video clips and reports (redacted as necessary to preserve client confidentiality)
  • A demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into creative and effective qualitative research designs
  • Mastery of moderation, including projective techniques, visual and enabling exercises, and other methods for getting beyond surface responses to capture underlying dynamics
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, manage, and effectively deliver on multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent client-management and presentation skills
  • Strong storytelling and reporting skills, with fluency in PowerPoint as well as a sense of how best to leverage AI
  • Experience with qualitative analysis and transcription/video tools a plus
  • Strong customer focus, and willingness to work off-hours on occasion to support client needs
  • A can-do, positive and collaborative attitude, with a willingness to support the development of team members across the organization

What We Offer:
  • Competitive base salary: $100,000-$120,000/year
  • Flexible vacation policy - take the time you need to recharge
  • Comprehensive health, vision & dental insurance
  • 401k with company contribution
  • Beautiful downtown Denver or Back Bay office with company-paid commuter benefits (parking or MBTA/RTD EcoPass)

What to Expect:
  • 1st Round: 30-45 minute interview with the Recruiter
  • 2nd Round: 60-minute interview with the Hiring Manager
  • 3rd Round: 2 hours of onsite interviews with the Hiring Team

Please note that we are fully onsite work environment, and require daily presence at our LoDo/Union Station or Back Bay (Boston) office. We are not considering remote, hybrid, or out-of-area candidates, and do not work with outside recruiting agencies.
MarketOnce will accept applications for this role on an ongoing basis.
MarketOnce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to hiring individuals based on their skills and qualifications, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

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