What is a Statistician?

what is a statistician

An individual who deals with statistics is typically called a statistician. A statistician is an educated professional who researches and analyzes data and applies statistical techniques to help solve problems. They also design statistical or mathematical models to help them with their data analysis. Statisticians are valuable employees in many industries. Learn all about statisticians, including what they do, how to become one and what they can expect for a career outlook.

What is a Statistician?

A statistician is an individual who helps companies and businesses solve real-world problems through the use of statistics and data. Statisticians research data and develop statistical theories, rules or concepts in areas like geometry or algebra and apply these theories to find solutions to problems in areas like engineering, business, science-related technologies and similar fields. Through the use of the statistician’s analysis, the company is able to make better business decisions.

In addition to designing opinion polls, experiments and surveys to find their data, they also determine which data is pertinent towards solving problems. Once they interpret their data, they report their conclusions to management. Statisticians work with chemical engineers, material scientists, chemists, industrial designers and many more. They find career opportunities working in many industries, including healthcare, business, engineering and related fields.

Education Requirements

Statisticians generally need a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. Statisticians are often grouped in the same category as mathematicians, and their job duties and educational requirements are also very similar. While it is possible to find an entry-level position as a statistician, most have master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, survey methodology, theoretical or applied math, economics or a similar field. Some statisticians even possess doctoral degrees. Statisticians with doctoral degrees often work in colleges or universities as professors of mathematics.

Students pursuing a degree in statistics complete courses in differential equations, physics, computer science, computer programming, calculus, statistics, engineering, linear algebra. Students who know they want careers as statisticians are encouraged to take as many math courses as possible as well as computer programming, which is very important with statistics. In addition to earning the required degree, statisticians should possess good analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.

Career Outlook and Wage Potential

U.S. News & World Report ranks statisticians number one among best business jobs, number two among best STEM jobs and number six among 100 best jobs. Statisticians are projected to experience a job growth of 34 percent during the 2016-2026 decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This excellent growth is attributed to the widespread use of the Internet, which provides more new areas for analysis as well as the increasing use of data analysis to help companies make informed business decisions. Statisticians earn annual wages that range from $50,660 to $133,720 or more with the average wage at $84,060. Wages can also vary by experience, degree level, employer and location. The top-paying states for statisticians and mathematicians are:

  • New Jersey – $114,020
  • Connecticut – $109,180
  • District of Columbia – $106,110
  • Maryland – $102,410
  • North Carolina – $101,610

Conclusion

One of the greatest accomplishments one can find is working in a career that he or she truly enjoys. This is very possible for the individual who loves and enjoys working with statistics and using this knowledge to help others solve problems. Such is the career for a statistician.

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