Statistician
A statistician is a professional who specializes in analyzing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from numerical data across various fields such as economics, health care, politics, and sports. With a median yearly earnings of approximately $104,860, this career is in high demand, with an expected employment growth rate of 11%, which is much faster than the average for other occupations. Statisticians typically hold a master’s degree, and their work often involves the use of advanced technology and software for data analysis, making strong analytical and communication skills essential.
Their daily responsibilities include designing surveys and experiments to collect data, identifying patterns, and producing reports that inform decision-making in business, government, and other sectors. Statisticians often work in office environments but may also engage in fieldwork, depending on their specific focus. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and an aptitude for problem-solving, making it suitable for those who enjoy tackling complex challenges. As data continues to play a crucial role in various industries, the importance of statisticians is ever-increasing, reflecting the growing need for data-driven insights.
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Subject Terms
Statistician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training, Government & Public Administration, Health Science, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Mathematics, science, solving problems, written communication
Earnings (Yearly Median): $104,860 per year $50.41 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 11% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education: Master's degree
Related Work Experience: None
On-the-job-Training: None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Statisticians analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from numerical data. They work in a diverse array of fields in both public and private sectors, including economics, politics, health care, sports, social media, manufacturing, computer science, and the military. Across fields, statisticians comb collected data for patterns and anomalies. This information provides insight into human behavior and informs business, management, and policy decisions across many industries.
Technological advancements and the Internet have revolutionized the field of statistics. Global information networks have made massive amounts of data available for interpretation and provided a worldwide platform for the work of statisticians. Timely and accurate data analysis has become essential to businesses worldwide.
Work Environment. The work environment of a statistician depends on the field in which they are employed. Most statisticians work with computers in an office setting. Some work in the field compiling and analyzing data in real-time. Some statisticians work in health and medicine, tracking the effectiveness of new drugs; others work for the government, analyzing data related to demographics or economics. Political organizations hire statisticians to analyze polling data and public opinion. Statisticians also work in manufacturing, where they measure product performance.
Occupation Interest. Statisticians must be meticulous and detail-oriented as well as technologically inclined. The job requires a mathematician's skills and a scientist's precision. Statisticians must also have excellent written communication skills. Individuals interested in a career as a statistician should be intrigued by challenging, complex problems.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Across fields, statisticians seek to understand and interpret data. They devise experiments and surveys to collect numerical information, from which they conclude within the context of their field. Statisticians work in various public and private industries and for the government.
Some statisticians develop new ways of organizing or gathering data for the social sciences. Statisticians working in politics interpret and predict election results and gauge public opinion. Sports statisticians track the performance of athletes. Statisticians employed in computer engineering analyze the effectiveness of algorithms.
Vital Statisticians (020.167-026). Vital statisticians are applied statisticians who plan registration systems for recording data on births, deaths, notifiable diseases, accidents, marriages, divorces, and annulments.
Actuaries (020.167-010). Actuaries analyze and assemble statistics to design insurance and pension plans.
Mathematical Statisticians (020.067-014). Mathematical statisticians conduct research into mathematical theories and proofs that form the basis of the science of statistics and develop statistical methodology.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most statisticians work in an indoor office environment. They work in hospitals, universities, federal buildings, and private companies. Some statisticians, including those in social sciences and sports, work in the field.
Human Environment. Statisticians spend a lot of time working independently, collecting and analyzing data. However, they may gather and interpret data in teams. Statisticians also work with colleagues and clients when communicating the results of their work.
Technological Environment. Statisticians work with computers. They operate complex software that helps them gather and analyze data. They also use computer software to depict the results of data analysis using charts, graphs, and other visualizations. Some statisticians design their computer software to suit their work.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Aspiring statisticians should take courses in mathematics and science. Many high schools offer introductory statistics courses, and some offer advanced placement courses. Individuals interested in a career as a statistician should familiarize themselves with the scientific method. Skills in computer science are also important. Statisticians use computers to compute data and design models and presentations that communicate their findings.
Postsecondary. Most statistician positions require a master’s or doctoral degree. Some government jobs require only a bachelor’s degree. Individuals interested in becoming statisticians commonly earn an undergraduate degree in statistics or applied mathematics. Their coursework involves many different types of mathematics, including quantitative reasoning, numerical analysis, and computer programming. Many statistics degrees also incorporate social science coursework, such as psychology and sociology, and rely heavily on statistical data. Further specializations in statistics include linear models, statistical genetics, and bioinformatics, a hybrid field of biology and information technology.
Related Occupations
− Actuary
− Electronic Commerce Specialist
− Management Analyst & Consultant
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.