All careers

Statisticians

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

What you’d do

  • Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
  • Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
  • Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
  • Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
  • Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
  • Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
  • Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
  • Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.

Skills that matter

  • Mathematics
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Database Analyst
  • Mathematical Statistician
  • Statistical Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Demographer
  • Education Research Analyst

Related careers

See all careers

  • Data Scientists

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Biostatisticians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

  • Clinical Data Managers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Mathematicians

    Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields.

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

  • Bioinformatics Scientists

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology…

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

  • Financial Quantitative Analysts

    Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments.

    Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher