Statistical Assistant
A Statistical Assistant plays a vital role in the field of statistical analysis, working closely with statisticians and statistical analysts to interpret and manage mathematical data. Their contributions are essential across various sectors, including business, government, and healthcare, aiding in decision-making processes, strategic development, and product testing. Typically operating in office environments, Statistical Assistants utilize specialized software for tasks such as data mining, simulation, and creating visual data representations. Their work includes planning surveys, collecting data, and ensuring the reliability of findings, which requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Educationally, individuals interested in becoming Statistical Assistants often pursue advanced degrees in mathematics or statistics and may benefit from coursework in related fields like computer science and data analysis. This profession is well-suited for independent thinkers who can collaboratively engage with teams while remaining focused on complex problem-solving. The median annual earnings for Statistical Assistants are approximately $53,900, reflecting their valuable contributions to data-driven decision-making across diverse industries.
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Subject Terms
Statistical Assistant
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Government & Public Administration
Interests: Mathematics, computers, computer science, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Median): $53,900 annual $25.50 hourly
Employment & Outlook: 5% to 10% (Average)
Overview
Sphere of Work. Statistical assistants help statisticians, or statistical analysts, interpret mathematical data to aid in problem-solving, strategic development, product testing, and other processes. Statistical analysis is a broad field utilized by several facets of industry, politics, and culture. The interpretations and conclusions drawn by statisticians help influence the decision-making processes within corporate executive hierarchies, military leadership, financial institutions, and government bodies.
Work Environment. Statistical assistants do most of their work in office settings. Much of their mathematical work is done using computer systems with specialized software. Specialized statistical software packages can be used for various functions, including data mining, simulation exercises, and creating complex graphs, charts, and other data illustrations. Statistical assistants often meet with their fellow team members and other professionals within an organization to discuss findings, strategies, and developments.
Occupation Interest. Statistical analysis attracts individuals with a passion for mathematics, most commonly those with advanced degrees in the field. Traditionally, aspiring statisticians interested in computers, computer science, and analytical problem-solving are interested in roles as statistical assistants. Statistical assistants are independent thinkers who are comfortable making decisions but can also take instructions. They are also results-oriented and possess the focus and drive to stay with complex problems until a solution can be found.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Statistical assistants' daily occupational duties and responsibilities are extraordinarily diverse and can vary extensively depending on one’s industry, employer, and area of expertise. Statistical assistants aid in surveying and data collection, helping to determine target groups from which to garner information that can later be used to accurately illustrate larger spheres of data and particular facets of information about groups. This work is accomplished through the determination of sample sizes, specialized development of survey questions, and the presentation of data-collection techniques. Once data is collected, statistical assistants often aid statisticians in testing complex findings to gauge their reliability and validity.
Analysis of data is one of the most crucial roles of the statistician. Statistical analysts use different computer models, algorithms, and expert inductive reasoning to establish connections, trends, and potential solutions to problems. Once data has been vetted for accuracy and analyzed for findings, statistical assistants help statisticians organize the interpretation for presentation. When presenting their findings, statisticians must convey the potential flaws and variables inherent in their data and translate complex mathematical data into information that can be digested by professionals whose specialties may lie outside statistical analysis, such as sales, marketing, branding, public relations, or finance.
Advertising Statistical Clerks (216.382-066). Advertising statistical clerks compile and tabulate statistical records dealing with advertising.
Actuarial Clerks (216.382-062). Actuarial clerks help people in insurance companies responsible for calculating risks and insurance premiums. They also prepare charts and tables for studies on general insurance practices.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Statistical assistants are employed by federal, state, and local governments as well as private corporations and institutions. Office and administrative settings predominate.
Human Environment. In addition to helping the statisticians they are assisting, statistical assistants frequently collaborate with data-collection specialists and other statisticians and assistants, depending on an analyst’s field or area of expertise.
Technological Environment. Statistical assistants use diverse computer software, including complex object-oriented database management software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can prepare for a career as a statistical assistant by completing coursework in algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, biology, and computer science. Advanced Placement (AP) and honors-level classes are recommended. English and writing courses are crucial for fostering a student’s ability to convey complex processes in a lucid manner.
Postsecondary. Several universities in the United States and abroad offer extensive coursework and degree programs in statistical analysis. Undergraduate students build a foundation for professional or graduate-level academic work by examining the fundamentals of biostatistics, experiment methods, data quality control, data mining, and applied analysis. Students of statistics traditionally complete specialized coursework in finance, education, business, science, or psychology.
Graduate students in statistical analysis continue with a specialized path, completing coursework in landmark or oft-utilized statistical research in their particular field. Graduate-level statistics students are responsible for conceiving, initiating, and presenting findings in an area of statistical analysis in their field. Many parlay such findings into continued study in the field at the doctoral level.
Related Occupations
− Actuary
− Bookkeeper & Accounting Clerk
Bibliography
"Mathematicians and Statisticians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
"Statistical Assistants." Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439111.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.