What Does an Enumerator Do?

Enumerators are responsible for counting and categorizing the population of an area. They commonly work with a specialized team to conduct surveys, interviews, or other data-gathering activities that help them understand who lives where and what they do on a daily basis.

Enumerators may also be tasked with presenting their findings in a clear and concise way. This might include creating reports, presentations, or other visual aids that clearly communicate their findings to others in their organization.

Enumerator Job Duties

Enumerators have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Collecting and recording data such as age, race, marital status, number of children, income levels, etc.
• Maintaining confidentiality when collecting sensitive information such as health status or criminal records
• Conducting interviews with respondents to collect information about their experiences with various products or services
• Recording data from surveys or questionnaires on paper forms or computer tablets for statistical analysis
• Identifying potential respondents through telephone surveys to gauge interest in participating in a study
• Explaining study procedures to respondents to ensure that they understand the process
• Collecting information about respondents’ education level, occupation, and other demographic factors
• Recruiting new participants for studies by explaining study details over the phone or in person
• Interviewing participants after the study has been completed to obtain feedback regarding the quality of the experience

Enumerator Salary & Outlook

Enumerators are typically paid hourly, and their salaries can vary depending on a number of factors. Some of the most important factors include years of experience, level of education, and geographic location.

• Median Annual Salary: $30,609 ($14.72/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)

The employment of enumerators is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need for data collection and analysis in a wide range of fields, such as healthcare and marketing research. However, automation may limit the number of jobs available over the next decade. Automation of some tasks currently performed by enumerators may reduce the demand for these workers.

Related: 17 Enumerator Interview Questions and Answers

Enumerator Job Requirements

Enumerators are responsible for conducting surveys and gathering data. The following are some of the requirements for this position:

Education: Enumerators are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Relevant coursework includes statistics, research methods, data collection and analysis.

Training & Experience: Most enumerators receive on-the-job training when they start a new position. This training may last a few days to a few weeks and may include instruction on the following:

How to use the company’s computer system How to use the company’s mobile device How to use the company’s GPS system How to use the company’s mobile app How to use the company’s tablet Enumerators may also receive training on how to use the company’s survey forms and how to enter data into the company’s database.

Certifications & Licenses: Enumerators do not require any specific certifications to earn their position. However, some companies may prefer or require a certified professional screener or gatekeeper certification. These professionals can earn these certifications to gain more theoretical knowledge of their responsibilities and further their career advancement opportunities.

Enumerator Skills

Enumerators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Organization: An enumerator needs to be organized to ensure they complete their duties on time. They should be able to prioritize their tasks and keep track of the addresses they’ve visited and the information they’ve collected. This can help them complete their work in the allotted time and ensure they don’t miss any addresses.

Communication: Communication is another skill that can help you be a better enumerator. You may be in contact with many different people throughout the day, including the person who hired you, the person who owns the house you’re visiting and the person who is recording your data. You can use your communication skills to make sure everyone is on the same page and to answer any questions they may have.

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is the ability to notice small changes in a situation. As an enumerator, you need to be able to notice small changes in the information you’re collecting. This can help you ensure you’re getting the most accurate information possible. For example, if you’re collecting information about a person’s income, you need to notice if they’ve changed jobs or if they’ve received a raise. This can help you ensure you’re getting the most accurate information possible.

Independence: Independence is the ability to work without supervision. Enumerators often work independently, so it’s important for them to be able to complete their tasks without help. Independence can also help enumerators work efficiently, as they can complete their tasks without needing to wait for assistance.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills are necessary for enumerators, as they may encounter challenges while collecting data. For example, if a resident is not home when the enumerator arrives, they may need to find another way to get the information they need. This may involve calling the resident or finding another source of information.

Enumerator Work Environment

Enumerators work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, private homes, and public places such as shopping malls and airports. They may work indoors or outdoors, depending on their assignment. They may work full time or part time, and their hours may vary depending on the needs of the Census Bureau and the particular census they are working on. For example, enumerators may work longer hours during the day to reach people who are not home during the day, or they may work evenings and weekends to reach people who are not home during the week. Some enumerators work on temporary assignments, while others work on permanent assignments.

Enumerator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how enumerators work. Enumerators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Online Surveys

The growth of online surveys is a trend that is quickly changing the way that businesses collect data. In the past, businesses would have to rely on traditional methods such as phone surveys or door-to-door interviews in order to get the information they needed.

However, online surveys are much easier to set up and can be distributed to a much wider audience. This makes them an ideal option for businesses looking to gather feedback from a large number of people.

Enumerators who are able to utilize online surveys will be in high demand, as they are a quick and easy way for businesses to get the information they need.

Data Security Concerns

As data security becomes a more pressing concern for businesses, enumerators will need to be aware of new risks.

For example, businesses may begin to require that all data be stored in the cloud rather than on local servers. This shift could make it more difficult for enumerators to access data without authorization. Additionally, businesses may begin to require that all data be encrypted before it is sent to them, which would add another layer of complexity to the enumeration process.

More Focus on Data Quality

As data becomes increasingly important to business decisions, enumerators will need to focus on data quality.

This means that they will need to be able to identify and correct errors in data sets before they are used by managers and executives. In addition, they will need to be able to understand the importance of data accuracy and be able to communicate this to others.

How to Become an Enumerator

An enumerator career can be a great way to get started in the field of data collection. It’s a good opportunity to learn about different industries and how they operate, as well as develop your skills in interviewing and communication.

Enumerators typically work for market research companies and are responsible for conducting interviews with customers or members of the public. They need to have a strong understanding of the company’s products or services and be able to ask relevant questions that will help them gather the necessary information.

It’s important to be patient and polite when speaking with people who may not be familiar with the company or its products. Enumerators should also be prepared to record accurate information and keep track of their progress.

Advancement Prospects

Enumerators who demonstrate a high degree of accuracy and efficiency in their work may be promoted to supervisor or manager positions. Some enumerators may advance to become statisticians, survey researchers, or operations research analysts.

Enumerator Job Description Example

The United States Census Bureau is looking for people who are committed to public service to help with the 2020 Census. As an Enumerator, you will play a vital role in ensuring that everyone in your community is counted in the 2020 Census. This is a unique opportunity to serve your community and have a lasting impact on our country.

As an Enumerator, you will visit homes in your community to collect census data. This is a part-time, temporary position with flexible hours. You will be paid for training, as well as for each day you work.

We are looking for people who are comfortable working with the public, have good communication skills, and are able to work independently. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Understand the goals, objectives, and methodology of the census project
• Locate and enumerate assigned housing units and living quarters in accordance with census procedures
• Update address lists and maps to reflect new or deleted housing units
• Verify that all occupants in a housing unit are included in the count
• Administer questionnaires to residents in person, by telephone, or online
• Record responses to questions using laptop computers or other mobile devices
• Follow up with residents who do not respond to initial attempts to enumerate them
• Resolve issues that arise during enumeration process
• Keep accurate records of work completed on a daily basis
• Report any changes in housing units or living quarters to supervisor in a timely manner
• Complete all required training courses and exams
• Adhere to strict confidentiality requirements

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions
• Attention to detail
• Familiarity with computers and mobile devices
• Ability to work independently

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, anthropology, psychology, or related field
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Bilingual ability
• Experience with data collection software, such as SurveyCTO