Let's take a look and clarify exactly what the highest paid survey opportunities are. As a rule, jobs can pay you as low as 2-3 dollars and in some instances, payments can be well over one hundred dollars. Experienced survey takers who have crafted a career will tell you these can be few and far between.
When you start out you need to perform some ground work and understand a little about the survey business, how it works, how to find legitimate survey companies, how to sign up, what and who to avoid and the list goes on.
When you eventually join a survey company, complete a few jobs and get the feel of what's involved. Income will be low to begin with because working just one company won't get you that boat you've always dreamed of. The trick is to join as many companies as you can but over a period of time, perhaps a few each week. This is why you need to learn a little about the business in the beginning.
It's more than likely opportunities will present themselves as you join different companies who can then provide recommended link partners for you to check out.