How to become a statistician

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What statisticians 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.

Skills that matter most

• Mathematics
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Science

Is statistician a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 107% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $140,670
• New York $136,020
• California $135,960
• Maryland $132,620
• Illinois $119,760

Statisticians salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.