What does a statistician do?
A statistician is an individual who gathers data and uses mathematical techniques to analyze and interpret data and draw conclusions. Statisticians are required to develop survey questionnaires or reporting forms so that they can collect the data they needed. Once the data are available, statisticians must analyze those data by calculating averages, reliabilities, and other specifics to identify trends and relationships. Statisticians must also write reports to explain their findings and recommend how to improve the design of future surveys or experiments.
Statistician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real statistician resumes:
- Manage Medicaid fraud and abuse portfolios by analyzing medical and pharmacy claims data.
- Conduct analysis and large data management using SAS, SQL on UNIX.
- Develop advanced statistical analysis using SPSS on quantitative and qualitative data
- Conduct statistical analysis including sampling, multivariate analysis, factor analysis, time-series modeling, regression and logistic analysis.
- Assist in the preparation of the NDA of Ambien.
- Analyze extreme outputs of experimental tests for formulation chemists with JMP.
- Analyze SAS code and optimize for efficiency and survey change requirements.
- Receive formal training on the use of SAS and other statistical software programs
- Create data visualization products such as maps, graphs and charts for reports and presentations.
- Provide oversight of a CRO to ensure timely production of accurate TFLs for NDA submissions.
- Create JMP scripts to help visualize simulations from a model of process experiment in higher dimensions.
- Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of daily PnL and position reports using SAS reporting procedures and VBA tools.
- Prepare cost estimates for partial and full special censuses in compliance with local, state and federal rules and regulations.
- Develop a novel geometric probability sampling plan to find unexplode ordinance at DOD sites using tow arrays of grind penetrating radar.
- Collect insurance co-payments and deductibles from patients.
Statistician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Statisticians are proficient in Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, and Statistical Techniques. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Statisticians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Analysis, 9%
Managed several projects from start to finish including data gathering, data analysis, statistical modeling, results analyzing and presentation.
- Statistical Methods, 9%
Evaluate marketing strategies using cutting-edge statistical methods such as cluster analysis, classification using logistic regression, and analysis of variance.
- Statistical Techniques, 7%
Prepare reports of local area and/or statewide estimates for employment using statistical techniques and trend projections.
- Statistical Data, 6%
Compare statistical data and compose managerial reports for submission to Territorial Headquarters as well as Divisional department heads.
- Logistic Regression, 5%
Design, develop and maintain logistic regression models for Genome-wide association study.
- Research Projects, 5%
Act as consultant for several performance improvement, evidence-based and research projects and advise Investigators on appropriate statistical methodology.
Common skills that a statistician uses to do their job include "data analysis," "statistical methods," and "statistical techniques." You can find details on the most important statistician responsibilities below.
Math skills. The most essential soft skill for a statistician to carry out their responsibilities is math skills. This skill is important for the role because "mathematicians and statisticians use statistics, calculus, and linear algebra to develop their models and analyses." Additionally, a statistician resume shows how their duties depend on math skills: "developed strategy for lot dispositioning and monitoring using innovation, sample statistics and visualization to reduce operational risk of low-quality lots. "
Problem-solving skills. Many statistician duties rely on problem-solving skills. "mathematicians and statisticians must devise solutions to problems encountered in science, engineering, and other fields.," so a statistician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways statistician responsibilities rely on problem-solving skills: "gathered business requirements to develop it solutions for data collection software. "
Analytical skills. statisticians are also known for analytical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to statistician responsibilities, because "mathematicians and statisticians use mathematical techniques and models to evaluate large amounts of data." A statistician resume example shows how analytical skills is used in the workplace: "reviewed fda guidelines and analyzed data accordingly. "
Communication skills. For certain statistician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a statistician rely on this skill, as "mathematicians and statisticians must be able to explain technical concepts and solutions in nontechnical ways." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what statisticians do: "provide end-to-end data management, including querying, aggregation, analysis, visualization, and communication to clients. "
The three companies that hire the most statisticians are:
- QuintilesIMS7 statisticians jobs
- Yale University6 statisticians jobs
- University of Michigan5 statisticians jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable statistician resume templates
Build a professional statistician resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your statistician resume.
Compare different statisticians
Statistician vs. Business analyst
Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, statistician responsibilities require skills like "statistical methods," "statistical techniques," "statistical data," and "logistic regression." Meanwhile a typical business analyst has skills in areas such as "project management," "business analysis," "user stories," and "user acceptance." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Business analysts really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $91,354. Comparatively, statisticians tend to make the most money in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $109,963.On average, business analysts reach lower levels of education than statisticians. Business analysts are 5.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 4.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Statistician vs. Business analyst/quality analyst
A business analyst/quality analyst is responsible for evaluating business outputs and operational processes to ensure that everything adheres to the quality standards and business regulations. Business analysts/quality analysts support senior management in determining solutions to improve the company's services and provide the highest satisfaction for the customers and clients. They also conduct data and statistical analysis by assessing the market trends to identify opportunities that would generate more revenue resources and increase profitability for the business.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, statistician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "statistical methods," "statistical techniques," "statistical data," and "logistic regression." Meanwhile, a business analyst/quality analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "test cases," "qa," "sql server," and "uat." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Business analysts/quality analysts earn a lower average salary than statisticians. But business analysts/quality analysts earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $94,836. Additionally, statisticians earn the highest salaries in the pharmaceutical with average pay of $109,963 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Business analysts/quality analysts tend to reach similar levels of education than statisticians. In fact, they're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 4.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for statisticians in the next 3-5 years?
John Whitaker
Professor, Shawnee State University
Statistician vs. Operations research analyst
Operations research analysts are responsible for assisting organizations in making better decisions. These professionals work to develop solutions that will aid businesses to operate more efficiently using advanced techniques such as data mining, optimization, and mathematical modeling. They work closely with key organizational stakeholders to stay up-to-date on short-term and long-term business goals. They also conduct research that will give them insights they need to guide decision-makers and develop solutions using predictive modeling, simulations, and statistical analysis.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a statistician is likely to be skilled in "statistical techniques," "statistical data," "logistic regression," and "research projects," while a typical operations research analyst is skilled in "operations research," "dod," "c++," and "math."
Operations research analysts earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $115,452. Statisticians earn the highest pay from the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $109,963.Most operations research analysts achieve a similar degree level compared to statisticians. For example, they're 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Statistician vs. Document analyst
A document analyst is responsible for sorting and storing company documents safely and securely. Document analysts work closely with the marketing and public relations team to manage promotional materials and advertisements for editing and proofreading before publishing on various market platforms. They also review company requirements and regulations and ensure that all documents adhere to the guidelines and conditions for public use. A document analyst must have excellent organizational and communication skills, especially on data management processes, such as updating documents, creating backups, and disposing of files accordingly.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between statisticians and document analysts, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a statistician might have more use for skills like "statistical methods," "statistical techniques," "statistical data," and "logistic regression." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of document analysts require skills like "customer service," "qa," "windows," and "technical documentation. "
Document analysts enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $48,019. For comparison, statisticians earn the highest salary in the pharmaceutical industry.The average resume of document analysts showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to statisticians. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 16.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.Types of statistician
Updated January 8, 2025
