Surveying the Measurement Profession to Assist Recruiting in the United States

Abstract

We conducted a comprehensive survey of the educational measurement profession to assist recruiting to the measurement profession in the United States. Specifically, in April and May 2019, we surveyed measurement professionals and graduate students by targeting six areas to assist recruitment efforts: demographics of the field, compensation for professionals, graduate student funding, where to work, what work life entails, and mentoring opportunities. We evidence a profession trending toward being more diverse, professionals having a median annual salary between $110,000 and $130,000 (U.S.) dollars, varying graduate student funding opportunities, and flexibility in work location and tasks performed. For each of the six target areas, we present detailed results from the survey as well as implications for practice. We conclude the manuscript by discussing a change needed in the field that would assist in recruitment efforts.