Statisticians: Job Description, Skills, Salary Insights

Also called: Analytical Statistician, Applied Scientist, Applied Statistician, Biometrician, Clinical Analyst

Statisticians: Job Description, Skills, Salary Insights

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Statisticians work in the field of mathematical and statistical analysis, utilizing theories and methods to gather, arrange, analyze, and condense numerical data into meaningful insights. They specialize in diverse areas such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. The occupation encompasses both mathematical statisticians, who focus on mathematical modeling and analysis, and survey statisticians, who specialize in survey methodologies and data interpretation.

 

 

 

 

  • Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
  • Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
  • 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.
  • Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
  • Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
  • Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
  • Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
  • Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
  • Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
  • Report results of statistical analyses in peer-reviewed papers and technical manuals.
  • Evaluate sources of information to determine any limitations, in terms of reliability or usability.
  • Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
  • Plan data collection methods for specific projects and determine the types and sizes of sample groups to be used.
  • Supervise and provide instructions for workers collecting and tabulating data.
  • Examine theories, such as those of probability and inference, to discover mathematical bases for new or improved methods of obtaining and evaluating numerical data.
  • Prepare and structure data warehouses for storing data.
  • Develop software applications or programming to use for statistical modeling and graphic analysis.
  • Apply sampling techniques or use complete enumeration bases to determine and define groups to be surveyed.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 85% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 55% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 60% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 60% responded "Some freedom".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 48% responded "Very important".
  • Telephone — 55% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Present research results to others.
  • Prepare analytical reports.
  • Design software applications.
  • Present research results to others.
  • Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
  • Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
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Knowledge

Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Skills

Mathematics
  • Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

Mathematical Reasoning
  • The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility
  • The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Amazon Redshift Hot Technology
  • Microsoft SQL Server Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
  • IBM DB2
Analytical or scientific software
  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • Minitab Hot Technology
  • SAS Hot Technology
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • Stat-Ease Design-Ease
  • Scientific Software International SSI LISREL
  • Stat-Ease Design-Expert
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Scientific Software International SSI Hierarchical Linear and Non-Linear Modeling HLM
  • Statistical Solutions BMDP
  • StatPoint STATGRAPHICS Centurion
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Visual Numerics TS-WAVE
  • UNISTAT Statistical Package
  • STATISTICA
  • Systat Software SigmaPlot
  • SuperANOVA
  • XGobi
  • Systat Software SigmaStat
  • XLISP-STAT
  • SAS JMP
  • IBM SPSS Amos
  • GraphPad Software GraphPad Prism
  • Econometric Software LIMDEP
  • DataDescription DataDesk
  • Cytel StatXact
  • Automatic Forecasting Systems Autobox
  • Aptech Systems GAUSS
  • IBM SPSS AnswerTree
  • Insightful S-PLUS
  • NCSS Power Analysis and Sample Size PASS
  • RAT-STATS
  • Quantitative Micro Software EViews
  • Camfit Data Limited Microfit
  • Muthen & Muthen MPlus
Object or component oriented development software
  • R Hot Technology
  • Python Hot Technology
  • C++ Hot Technology
  • Sun Microsystems Java
  • SAP PowerBuilder
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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