Statisticians

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Statistics is the scientific application of mathematical principles to the collection, analysis and presentation of numerical data. Statisticians contribute to scientific inquiry by applying their mathematical knowledge to the design of surveys and experiments; collection, processing and analysis of data; and interpretation of the results.

One technique that is especially useful to statisticians is sampling — obtaining information about a population of people or group of things by surveying a small portion of the total. Statisticians decide where and how to gather the data, determine the type and size of the sample group, and develop the survey questionnaire or reporting form. They also prepare instructions for workers who will collect and tabulate the data. Finally, statisticians analyze, interpret and summarize the data using computer software.

In business and industry, statisticians play an important role in quality control and product development and improvement. They design experiments and evaluate the test results to determine safety, effectiveness or efficiency. Some statisticians also are involved in deciding what products to manufacture, how much to charge for them and to whom the products should be marketed. Statisticians also may manage assets and liabilities, determining the risks and returns of certain investments.

Numerous statisticians also are employed by nearly every government agency. Some government statisticians develop surveys that measure population growth, consumer prices or unemployment. Other statisticians may help to determine the amount of pesticides in drinking water, the number of endangered species living in a particular area or the number of people afflicted with a particular disease. Other statisticians determine the accuracy of new weapons and defense strategies.

Statistical specialists often have different professional designations. For example, a person using statistical methods on economic data may have the title "econometrician," while statisticians in public health and medicine may hold titles such as "biostatistician," "biometrician," or "epidemiologist."

Training and qualifications

Although more employment opportunities are becoming available to well-qualified statisticians with bachelor's degrees, a master's degree in statistics or mathematics is usually the minimum educational requirement. Research and academic positions in institutions of higher education, for example, require a graduate degree, usually a doctorate. Beginning positions in industrial research often require a master's degree combined with several years of experience.

A strong background in computer science is highly recommended. For positions involving quality and productivity improvement, training in engineering or physical science is useful. A background in biological, chemical or health science is important for positions involving the preparation and testing of pharmaceutical or agricultural products. Courses in economics and business administration are helpful for many jobs in market research, business analysis and forecasting.

Good communications skills are important for prospective statisticians in industry, where they often need to explain technical matters to persons without statistical expertise. An understanding of business and the economy also is valuable for those who plan to work in private industry.

Job outlook

Little or no change is expected in employment of statisticians over the 2000-10 period. Job opportunities should remain favorable for individuals with statistical degrees, although many of these positions will not carry the explicit job title "statistician." This is especially true of jobs that involve the analysis and interpretation of data from other disciplines such as economics, biological science, psychology or engineering. Those with a strong background in an allied field, such as finance, engineering or computer science, should have the best prospects of finding jobs related to their field of study.

Federal agencies will hire statisticians in many fields, including demography, agriculture, consumer and producer surveys, Social Security, health care and environmental quality. Competition for entry-level positions is expected to be strong because the federal government is one of the few employers that considers a bachelor's degree adequate. Those who meet state certification requirements may become high school statistics teachers.

Manufacturing firms will hire statisticians with master's and doctoral degrees for quality control. Statisticians with knowledge of engineering and the physical sciences will find jobs in research and development. Many statisticians also will find opportunities developing statistical software for computer software manufacturing firms.

Business firms will rely heavily on workers with a background in statistics to forecast sales, analyze business conditions and help solve management problems to maximize profits. Consulting firms increasingly will offer sophisticated statistical services to other businesses. Because of the widespread use of computers in this field, statisticians in all industries should have good computer programming skills and knowledge of statistical software.

Earnings

Statisticians held about 19,000 jobs in 2000. One-fifth of these jobs were in the federal government.

Median annual earnings of statisticians were $51,990 in 2000. The average annual salary for statisticians in the federal government in non-supervisory, supervisory and managerial positions was $68,900 in 2001, while mathematical statisticians averaged $76,530.

Related links

For information about career opportunities in statistics, contact:

American Statistical Association, 1429 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

For more information on doctoral-level careers and training in mathematics, a field closely related to statistics, contact:

American Mathematical Society, 201 Charles St., Providence, RI 02940.

Information on obtaining a statistician position with the Federal Government is available from the Office of Personnel Management through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; Federal Relay Service: (800) 877-8339.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.