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Participate in our Surveys

2026 Metro Chicago Compensation Survey Cover2026 Metro Chicago Compensation Survey
(closes 4/24/26)

Participate Now
2026 Library Survey Cover2026 Library Survey
(closes 4/17/26)

Participate Now

Download the 2026 Survey Calendar.

2026 Survey Calendar

Download the 2024/25 Position Catalog.

Position Catalog Cover

 

Survey Participation FAQs

Participating in a survey sounds like a lot of work. Why should I submit my data? What’s in it for me?

Free data, that’s what! HR Source members who contribute their data to our surveys get access to the results at no charge (with just a handful of exceptions). \

Can I trust your survey data?

Timely, accurate, and dependable benchmarking data is tough to come by – and expensive. HR Source offers a variety of hard-to-find compensation and benefits surveys, both local and national. We’ve been conducting employment data surveys for almost 100 years! With that kind of experience, we can guarantee the quality and accuracy of our data.

I’m not a member of HR Source. Can I still participate in your surveys and access your data?

Our statistical reports on compensation, benefits, policies, and more, are available to both members and non-members of HR Source. Non-members who contribute data to the surveys can generally purchase the final reports at half price. Participating members receive the reports free of charge (with just a few exceptions that are always clearly communicated ahead of time). So, why not become a member today?

I’m a new member of HR Source – do I get any of your survey data?

You sure do! New members of HR Source receive our four most popular surveys free with their organization’s first year membership.

Is my data kept confidential? Can other organizations find out how much we are paying?

We treat your organization’s pay data with the utmost protection and follow all anti-trust rules. We only report on jobs where five or more organizations submitted data. Plus, we report only aggregated data, never organization-specific data.

How long will it take me to complete a survey?

It depends on how many jobs at your organization match those in a given survey. We typically estimate an hour or two. (Trust us - it's worth your time.) If you need help at any point, just let us know.

Do you want my data even if I only have a couple of jobs that match?

Yes, please! Provide us with as many job matches as you have, even if only a few. Every bit of data makes our reports more accurate, more valid, and more meaningful for everyone.

Can I get a copy of what I submitted last year?

Sure. Just email us at [email protected].

How should I prepare before submitting my survey data?

Before you start, gather the job, pay, policy, or benefits information requested in the questionnaire and confirm who in your organization can answer follow-up questions. A little preparation up front usually makes participation much faster (and improves data quality).

What if I need help, get interrupted, or realize something needs to be corrected?

That’s why we’re here! Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance, especially if it makes the difference between participating or not! Reach our team at 800-448-4584 or [email protected].

Does HRCI offer credit for survey participation?

They do! You can earn one leadership credit per year through survey data submission. Qualifying surveys will be highlighted in our invitation emails and directions for claiming your credit will be provided in the confirmation email.

How am I invited to participate?

All survey communications (including personalized participation links) are emailed to your designated HR Source survey contact. HR Source members can change their survey contact at any time and non-members of HR Source can also opt-in to survey communications. To join our distribution list, please contact our team at [email protected].

 

Earn HRCI Credit for Survey Participation

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) grants one leadership credit per year for participating in compensation or benefit surveys. The leadership category “recognizes the importance of giving back to the profession by contributing your professional knowledge to the community,” according to the HRCI website.

In order for survey participation to qualify, the HRCI requires that the survey be extensive, and excludes short online surveys. Announcements about qualifying surveys will be included in the invitation emails and reminders. To claim your HRCI credit for qualifying surveys, follow the directions in the confirmation email that is sent upon submitting your survey. The email also serves as proof of participation when applying. The HRCI allows one credit per year to be earned by survey participation, in each year of the three-year certification cycle.

Local Chicagoland Surveys

Many of our local Chicagoland surveys are open to members and non-members, while certain surveys are designated as "members only".  Click on "participate" above to learn more about the participation options for each survey. 

Members that participate in any of our surveys will receive free access to the results of that survey. All non-member organizations that participate will be able to access the results of that survey at a non-member rate.

Participation invitations are automatically emailed to all "survey" contacts and will include a custom web link. If you need your link resent, or if you are with a non-member and want to be included in our list, please e-mail [email protected] for assistance.

National "Employer Association of America (EAA)" Surveys

HR Source coordinates 3 EAA national surveys (Executive, Policies & Practices, Benefits) while the other national surveys are coordinated by sister associations who are also members of the EAA. Many of our national surveys are open to members and non-members, while certain surveys are designated as "members only". Click on "participate" above to learn more about the participation options for each survey.

Members that participate in any of our surveys will receive free access to the results of that survey. All non-member organizations that participate will be able to access the results of that survey at a non-member rate.

Some national surveys must be completed via an alternate website specific for the survey and will require a unique link and/or username and password with will be emailed to the "survey" contact. If you need your login information resent, or if you are with a non-member and want to be included in our list, please e-mail [email protected] for assistance.