Statistician
O*NET-SOC: 15-2041.00
Develops and applies statistical theory and methods to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data, helping organizations make evidence-based decisions across diverse domains.
About this Role
Statisticians collect, organize, and analyze numerical data to help organizations make better decisions. They spend much of their day writing code in programming languages designed for data analysis, cleaning up messy datasets by removing errors and filling gaps, and then applying mathematical techniques to find patterns or test whether a change actually made a difference. A statistician might design an experiment to measure whether a new product feature improves user engagement, calculate how many participants are needed for reliable results, and then determine whether the outcome was statistically meaningful or just due to chance.
A Day in the Life
9:00 AM
Clean and prepare data
Import a new dataset, remove incomplete records and obvious errors, and verify the data matches expected formats before analysis.
10:30 AM
Design an experiment
Work with the product team to define what they want to test, determine how many users need to participate, and set the rules for measuring success.
12:00 PM
Analyze results
Run the numbers on a completed experiment, check whether the differences between groups are meaningful or just random noise, and summarize the key findings.
1:00 PM
Lunch and team sync
Join a team meeting over video call to share early results and get feedback on what questions to explore next.
2:00 PM
Build charts and dashboards
Create clear visualizations of model outputs so that non-technical stakeholders can quickly understand the main takeaways.
3:30 PM
Check model quality
Review a predictive model for common problems like using too many variables or fitting too closely to past data, and document any adjustments.
5:00 PM
Write a forecast report
Use historical trends to project future demand or usage, then write up the assumptions and results for the engineering team.
Tools & Technologies
Databases & Data Tools
- AWS
- Microsoft Access
- SQL
- Amazon Redshift
- IBM DB2
Analytics & Science
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- StataCorp Stata
- Aptech Systems GAUSS
Programming Languages
- Python
- R
- C++
- SAP PowerBuilder
- Sun Microsystems Java
Business Intelligence
- Tableau
- Apache Spark
- Qlik Tech QlikView
Development Tools
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
- COBOL
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
Database Systems
- Apache Hadoop
- Teradata Database
- Apache Pig
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $79K and $138K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $60K |
| 25th | $79K |
| 50th (Median) | $103K |
| 75th | $138K |
| 90th | $171K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst
SAS Institute
Focuses on using SAS for predictive modeling and statistical procedures.
Recommended
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
INFORMS
Validates end-to-end analytics lifecycle skills including data analysis and communication.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
Microsoft
Emphasizes ML models and stats in cloud environments common in tech.
Helpful
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Google (via Coursera)
Covers data cleaning, visualization, and statistical analysis with practical tech tools.
Professional Memberships
American Statistical Association (ASA) Membership
American Statistical Association
Offers professional development, journals, and networking for statisticians.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Fully Remote
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Standard work hours
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (46)
- MathematicsStrong Match
- Reading ComprehensionStrong Match
- Critical ThinkingStrong Match
- Active ListeningGood Match
- SpeakingGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Statistician a good career?
Statistician can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $103K and job outlook is growing (30% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Statistician?
The typical education requirement for a Statistician is a Master's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Statistician?
Becoming a Statistician typically requires about 6 years of higher education (including a bachelor's degree). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Statistician?
The work-life balance for a Statistician is generally considered good, with reasonable hours and manageable workloads. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Statistician?
The job outlook for Statistician is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 30% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.