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The differences between biostatisticians and epidemiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a biostatistician, becoming an epidemiologist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a biostatistician has an average salary of $85,645, which is higher than the $59,329 average annual salary of an epidemiologist.
The top three skills for a biostatistician include data analysis, patients and data management. The most important skills for an epidemiologist are SAS, data analysis, and statistical analysis.
| Biostatistician | Epidemiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $85,645 | $59,329 |
| Hourly rate | $41.18 | $28.52 |
| Growth rate | 31% | 26% |
| Number of jobs | 17,972 | 485 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Master's Degree, 44% |
| Average age | 37 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A biostatistician specializes in gathering and analyzing data for medical and biological research. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around devising the ideal questionnaire or survey for significant results, maintaining accurate records of data, developing conclusions and research papers, contributing findings to publications, and even collaborating with other scientists. There are also instances where biostatisticians may train junior statisticians, conduct corrective measures on inconsistencies and data error, and develop new strategies for scientific outcomes. Most importantly, a biostatistician must adhere to the laws and regulations on data gathering processes.
An epidemiologist specializes in studying and investigating different diseases, including its causes and effects on the human body. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering samples and subjecting them to various experiments and scientific procedures, traveling to different areas to conduct observations and in-depth analysis, maintaining extensive records, coordinating with other scientists and experts, and summarizing findings into reports and presentations. Furthermore, as an epidemiologist, it is vital to utilize expertise by creating policies for a healthy and safe environment for everyone.
Biostatisticians and epidemiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Biostatistician | Epidemiologist | |
| Average salary | $85,645 | $59,329 |
| Salary range | Between $60,000 And $120,000 | Between $28,000 And $125,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | California | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Meta | Exxon Mobil |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | - |
There are a few differences between a biostatistician and an epidemiologist in terms of educational background:
| Biostatistician | Epidemiologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Master's Degree, 44% |
| Most common major | Statistics | Ecology, Population Biology, And Epidemiology |
| Most common college | Johns Hopkins University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between biostatisticians' and epidemiologists' demographics:
| Biostatistician | Epidemiologist | |
| Average age | 37 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 55.8% Female, 44.2% | Male, 35.8% Female, 64.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 22.7% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 26.4% White, 53.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |