The 2010 census is fast approaching and as usual it provides a lot of opporutunity for part-time work for people. Work begins in spring of 2009 with most hiring taking place from February through May of 2009. As I understand it the hours are pretty flexible and workers can work from 20-40 hours per week.
What do census takers do?
Census takers usually work in their own neighborhoods or communities, which is convenient, and from what I have read, there are two main job opportunites…
Updating Address Lists
During the Address Canvassing operation, census takers visit all the places where people live or could live. The census taker must knock on each resident’s door and if someone answers explain that he or she is verifying the correct address for a short census questionnaire that will be mailed in 2010.
Conducting Interviews
These operations involve knocking on doors and conducting interviews with residents.
How much do census jobs pay?
The US census job page doesn’t mention a specific rate. However, after doing some more research I found a job board with a listing for 2010 census takers that indicates a wage of $11.75/hour + $.585/mile. I did see mentions of higher wages elsewhere, so my hunch is that they pay based on local standards. For instance, the cost of living is a lot higher in San Diego than it is in Tulsa, therefore they probably will be paying a lower wage in Tulsa than in San Diego.
I am not sure where the $11.75 wage falls, hopefully on the lower end, but I am not sure. Either way, I think that is still a pretty decent wage for a very easy job without a degree.
Qualifications for census taker positions
According to the census job site these are the qualifications…
- You must be able to read, write, and speak english
- You must be a U.S. citizen
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must pass a written test of basic skills
- You must pass a background check
- You must commit to 4 days of paid training during the day, evening, or weekend.
How to apply for a census job
The first step is to call and schedule an appointment to take the skills test… 1-866-861-2010. You can also use this map to local your local census office directly.
Have you ever been a census taker before? If so, please tell us about it in the comments
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Interesting. Thanks for sharing. My wife is considering taking on a part time flexible job to supplement our income. She is a full time Mom. I wonder if dragging your kids along would be a problem…
it would definitely make it more exciting
My husband worked for the Census bureau doing this 10 years ago. He worked for them for about 18 months to 2 years, until they got to the very last phase. The initial phase was mapping areas marking anything that could be a residence, and gathering addresses. This involved a good bit of travel in our rural area but he was reimbursed mileage, and then the pay was $10 hour plus overtime if you worked over 8 hrs a day. The overtime didn’t happen until they got close to phase deadlines and really needed to finish things up. I can’t remember all of the details but I know that after the census had mailed out the forms, one phase involved following up with those who did not fill them out and return. This was done in teams of two workers visiting houses, or calling. The goal is to have every one of the forms filled out and returned. The very last phase, which my husband opted out of, was a Census employee and a Federal Marshall that visited the homes to ensure that the papers were filled out. You just never knew what you were getting into at that point so he called it quits. He did enjoy the first phases of it and made quite good money.
He is running his own biz now so he is not interested in participating this time around. I do know that in our area they were starting out at $12 hr and are desperately looking to recruit! One note, they say flexible hours but in reality (atleast in our experience) they wanted people who could dedicate 8 hours a day M – F to work on this project as they are on a deadline. But it is great if you just want to pickup some extra work/temporary job. Our area was broken down by county, with all the census workers meeting every morning with the supervisor/coordinator at the beginning of each shift. This supervisor was also a local person who did not have any census experience but has some sort of higher education that qualified them for a higher paying job (plus it is based on how well you do on their testing I believe) so there is an opportunity to make much higher than the starting pay I believe.
Aj,
thanks for your insight – it’s good to have info like this from someone who has been through it…
Very good information. I found it very helping in making my decision.
I helped in the 2000 Census.I needed to go out in the mornings, then in the evenings for the people working in the daytime. A few times on the weekings to get most everyone. Only had one I never could get.
You meet a lot of nice people and I found it very interesting work and enjoyed it very much.I would like to work in the 2010 Cencus.
I called the number listed above and they transferred me to the local area for me and they told me they have suspended everything until the Spring. So I guess they will not even speak to people until the spring.
Don’t even bother. The test only takes half an hour, but you lose an additional one and a half hours of your life while other people fill out all the paperwork they should have brought with them ALREADY filled out, take the test, get a perfect score, and never hear another word. BIG waste of time!!
I worked the past 2 census. I did both while holding a full time job. I worded the 1st (1990) census as an enumerator. 2000 I worked as a crew leader. Great part time job. My advise is be honest. Do not make up data. Work is spot checked. I worked alone, not paired up as another person wrote. (New Hampshire and Orlando area is where I was.) If you are uncomfortable in an area, you can request assistance. They stress safety. I plan to go for a 3rd round this year or next.
This site about census taking is a Godsend (maybe even a miracle in progress for me). I am so desperate for money right now(and starving!) that doing this census job is a blessing beyond belief! I only pray to God in heaven that they hire me. If not, friends, I really don’t know where to turn or what I’m going to do next.Please pray that I get this job because if I don’t, I will probably end up homeless or worse! I’m already out of food and need money desperatly to pay for my medicine and/or rent. If anyone out there could help me please,please contact me as soon as possible, and if anyone could please lend me any kind of help (even just a few dollars), I promise to pay you back with interest, as soon as I can find a job! Thank you for taking the time to read this and for perhaps your consideration for helping me. (Just lost my job of ten years recently). Thanks again so very much, Love, Beth Batz
I was a Census Follow-up Enumerator in 2000. I went to the addresses or questionable locations after the census was done. I recently called and they said the next testing wouldn’t be until later this month — but I enjoyed the work and pay.
I wqrked as an enumerator during the 1990 census in the city of St. Louis. As an enumerator, I worked flexible hour until the census was completed. If one does good work this could last for a while. I hope so, I could use it.
I would be interested in knowing what is meant by ‘flexible hours’. Can I decide what hours and what days (so long as I am getting to all addresses/people as required) or will I be instructed what days and hours I will have to work? I have been hired and I am trying to plan out childcare. Thanks!
I have training on the 30th of this month. I am trained for 5 days which are paid. My job title is a census enumerator. I see that during the spring of 2009 it will be Address Canvassing. So is that what I will be doing? So will I just be handing out forms? They said that it will least for 8 weeks. If I do a good job will they ask me to go outside of my area? What will happen after the 8 weeks?
IV’E ALREADY TOOK THE CENSUS EXAM & PASSED ITS BEEN AWHILE. WHEN SHOULD I HEAR SOMETHING ABOUT WORKING.
I am wanting to work for the census bureau again I worked fot them in 2000 as a enumerator. And found it it be interesting wok and hope to get to once again. I am trying to find out if I must test again and just what are where I need to go to find out.
To Sue Nixon: Yes you must test again. They are still hiring from now until 2010 so you have time. There is different stages of the Census. I am currently working for them. I was first hired as a recruiter and I finished and than they have me as a taker. My job I have in my area will last for at least 4-5 month because we are short on people.
OVER TIMEEE!!! Go to the website and give them a call they will tell you when and where the next testing nearest to you.
Currently, the first phase is only lasting 2 weeks, not the anticipated 6 – 12. A lot of people will be out of work as of this week. Very disappointing.
I just finished working for the 2010 Census.
My title was “enumerator”, doing “listing”.
For approximately 8 weeks we walked around our community and checked addressess “on the ground” versus addresses in the database. This year we were all given PDAs with lists of addresses to verify. I’m sure this was MUCH better than the old paper days. We even were able to submit our payrol electronically. Way to go Census!
Southern California area pay was $17 an hour, yes it varies by location.
Was told initially that minimum hours were 20, max 40.
NO OVERTIME. They stressed this repeatedly. You would be fired for any overtime you tried to bill.
I was assigned more work than some others, either because I was a decent worker (efficient, minimal “errors”), or because I was willing to work the 40 hours per week.
All in all, was nice to have the work, especially in these times, and pay was very decent for the ease of the job.
We are in limbo now…no idea what will happen for “next phase”.
Was told that once Obama started trying to get everyone back to work, the Census was told to hire as many people as it could. It did, which meant that those hired went to the 4-5 days of training, and then most just had to sit and wait for work that never came. Too many folks hired.
Good luck to you all…if I get into another phase, I’ll re-post….
I just finished 6 weeks of address canvassing. We just turned in our gear. Does anyone have any details of future phases besides Non-Response Followup?
I worked as a crew leader for the 2010 census in rural Iowa. When I took the job they said it would take to the middle of June to complete the address canvassing. We were done by May 11. I worked for about 6 weeks, but the canvassers only worked 4 weeks including training.
I enjoyed working with my people, but the state office was either incompetent or very disorganized. At times doing the field test on the new hand held computer was fun, but at the same time it had many issues that caused major problems (very costly). The training that I got was poor, but since I have been a teacher most of my life I was able to take their rediculous manual and make it work.
I took issue with their quality control several times as they got the exact same training I got.
If I get a call for the 2nd faze, will I go? I haven’t decided, If I’m assigned a crew then maybe yes. The pay is the same as in 2000 $12 an hour. I got a little more as a crew leader. I made most of my money in mileage $.55 a mile, since I had 3 counties to cover.
Towards the end they promised that they would find more work, they didn’t. Later I found out that other states were way behind. I had told them I would go where ever they need help.
As far as taking the test, I found that they were very inconsistant in getting the times and sites out to the public. After you take the test and pass, (you need a high score), then just call them once a week and with luck you’ll get a right answer.
I took the test and passed, how can I find out about employment?
I participated in the 2000 Census and would like to participate for 2010. How would I go about doing this?
Instructions for those interested in Census jobs…..: Go to http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/
Hiring is based on three factors 1) Where you live 2) Test Score 3) Veteran’s preference. Workers are needed in nearly every geographic area. If many people apply for jobs in your same area, then the difference will come down to TEST SCORE. Veteran’s receive extra points toward their score and a disabled vet will receive even more points. TAKE THE PRACTICE TEST at the website listed above until you can ace it. Then schedule your time to take the actual test by calling the phone number also listed in the website above. Many people aren’t being hired because they’ve scored 80-90% on the test and they think this is good. A vet with the same score will beat you out every time. You need a 100% to increase your chances.
I worked the 2000 Census.Very rewarding. I met so real nice people and some nasty mouth people. I treated everybody with a kind word. I was a Crew Leader.I had nice people who worked under me. One of the hardest worker I had died three years ago. I never had to go out to do her work because she approached people in a nice way. I would love to be a crew leader this year. GOD is goooooood !
worked the 2000 census in and around ashland and mechanicsville va. great people work and pay . hope i can join the team for the 2010 census
I worked on the 2000 census and found the job to be both easy and challenging. Too bad the government wastes money on tracking down morons who can’t fill out a form, but, I also had to note when a house was abandon or burned down or otherwise not there anymore. I have a different job now with different hours, or I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I was an enumerator in 2000 in Maryland. It was an awesome way to earn extra income. Paychecks were very timely. A very important part of being an enumerator was the fact that I had the choice to decline going to homes that posed a safety issue. Cencus is the way to go and I would do it again in a heartbeat>
I’m assuming that you have to come off of unemployment if you actually get
a job with the census. When you do, and it’s for just a short time, is it worth it?
Trying to get reassigned to unemployment pay afterwards may be a big delay and I don’t know if you can count on it. Not finding a job during or immediately after the census job will mean being in this position. Anyone have any experience with this issue? Also, does the clock start over for unemployment or does it pick up where it left off? One more thing…I wouldn’t think the census offers benefits. If your on COBRA does that get effected while working? I’m hoping to hear from someone who has experienced this since there is only one phone number for the state of California for unemployment and I’ve never gotten through to ask a question. Thanks.
I took the test. Rcvda call that I passed but have not rcvda call as to when I may start. Looking online is just to take the test. What is the next step?
Is it true that if you are only permanent resident (INS status) you cant be eligible on this job?
to Beth Batz,
Please contact asap! we had a computer crash and still have not recovered all info.
Love,
Jean K and Tom
TO BETH BATZ,
Please contact me! Just found this website today, or would’ve contacted u sooner. Don’t have much money, but I have exp. applying 4 & receiving gov’t help (food stamps, pay utility bills, SSI & Medicaid 4 my profoundly mentally handicapped daughter).
TO ANYONE WHO CAN HELP ME,
I need this Census job. Adult Protection, OCDD, a Medicaid Provider Co. & Case Mgmt Agency took my profoundly mentally handicapped (mind of a baby) 21 y/o from me. LIES were told to & about me b/f, in, & after court. The PCA knew she would NOT have a job if I switched co. I just found a STAY AWAY ORDER on her & DOMESTIC ABUSE/BATTERY she did on a Physically Handicapped man, who CAN talk! What will she do with my child, who canNOT talk! She warned them I would be represented by Legal Aid for FREE, so OCDD blocked me by retaining them! Then they got the Advocacy Center to represent my child against me, blocking me using them! All I needed was a Good, Free Attorney & a Continuance.
Thanks, A. Melcher
I also had the pleasure of enumerating for the 2000 Census out here in the beautiful Mojave National Preserve. I put alot of miles on my truck that Census, but I loved every mile. I hope to be part of the 2010 Census, it is such a great way to truly get to know the area and the people who live there !
I live in Brown Summit NC (north of Greensboro) . our starting rate for a Census taker is $13.50/hr and .50 for mileage…..there are also other positions …clerical and supervisors eith differnt rates….clerical pay is around $10/hr…..varies according to region Charlottte NC is $18.50/hr….I took the test this morning…28 questions need to get 10 correct to pass ….
70%….There is a practice test on line which is helpful… If you are not happy with your score you may retake smany times until mid Feb. but only once a day ..I scored in the high 90’s…30 mintues is alloted for the test….the application and I -9 are online and may be completed before you arrive for
the test…..The recruiter will go over to make sure everything is ok so the paperwork is not rejected….It was mot a wste of time amd time went quickly……the hours a re flexible you make work 20 hrs or 40. also you need not work 8 hrsstraight in a day…you make work a couple hrs in the am and go back out in the afternoon or evening….There is lor of info on line and the recuiter at the testing center was helpful…..good way to make some money
or supplement your income.. oh payday is every Wednesday and direct depost is the preferred way….but is not mandatory… hopes this helps someone……
I worked as a crew leader/classroom trainer in the 2000 census. I scored 29 out of 30 on the test and worked in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The test is fairly easy, and less than 50% was considered passing. Only 1 student I tested was refused employment because of a very low score. The job lasted about 6 months and paid $12.50 per hour. Wages are higher for 2010. When training was finished, I spent time on follow-up for missing forms. I have a great tutor job but am considering part-time as a census worker. Training was 2-1/2 days
in 2000. With only a short form, I am surprised that 4 days of training are needed for 2010. I encourage people to look into census work for extra income. This is important work for allocation of funds, # of Congressional representatives, etc. and also a very fulfilling job.
Good read. This is the best forum on the web I have seen. It also comes up high on the google search.
I want to thank everyone in particular AJ for her insight.