What do statisticians do?
Statisticians work in a wide variety of industries, and they are critical in understanding and interpreting data that allows organizations to operate efficiently. Statistics is used in designing clinical trials, building predictive models for business, getting valuable insight to support public policy decisions and even creating the algorithms that personalize your shopping experience.
“Statistics teaches you how to ask the right questions, gather and analyze data and make evidence-based decisions. Skills that are in high demand everywhere, from health care and tech to sports, government, marketing and finance,” said Dr. Jennifer Broatch, an associate professor at Arizona State University’s School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences. “The most successful statisticians aren’t just good with numbers; they’re passionate about solving problems and asking meaningful questions.”
Statisticians don’t just analyze data, build models and interpret results, they also need to communicate these results to an audience that may not have the same background in math and statistics. They leverage data visualization to turn the complex information into something easily digestible to their target audience.
“Whether you're working with doctors, business leaders or policymakers, your value lies in your ability to turn numbers into insight,” Dr. Broatch said.
Statisticians are leading the way for businesses, science and government to analyze the vast quantities of data needed to stay ahead in our changing world.
Seven top jobs for statistics majors
“What makes this field especially exciting is that it’s constantly evolving. As new tools and technologies emerge, statisticians are the ones helping people and organizations make sense of complex information,” Dr. Broatch said. “With training in data analysis, coding, communication and problem-solving, you’ll be ready to step into roles such as data analyst, biostatistician, research scientist, policy analyst or even transition into fields such as data science, machine learning or actuarial science.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for the group that includes statisticians and mathematicians is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate of 11% from 2023-2033. Some specific roles in the field are projected to experience even higher growth, up to 36%.
Top jobs for statistics majors, with their projected growth rate from 2023-2033 and median annual pay for 2024, include:
- Data scientist: Manage and manipulate large amounts of raw data, leveraging algorithms and machine learning to understand what lies beneath the noise and what trends are present.
- Projected job growth of 36% (Much faster than average, and one of the fastest growing jobs in the country.)
- $112,590
- Statistician: Apply mathematical theories and data to real-world problems to assist businesses, engineering and other fields with overcoming challenges.
- Projected 11% job growth (Much faster than average)
- $104,350
- Biostatistician: Work with others to plan and implement clinical trials and understand relevant trends from data, in the pursuit of a better understanding of life sciences. This career often requires additional degrees or certifications up to PhDs.
- Projected 9% job growth (Much faster than average)
- $103,300
- Market research analyst: Work with businesses to understand and forecast marketing and sales trends into the future and gather data to devise plans to improve business practices.
- Projected 8% job growth (Faster than average)
- $76,950
- Financial analyst: Collaborate with businesses and individuals to evaluate the performance of stocks and bonds to help their clients attain profit.
- Projected 9% job growth (Much faster than average)
- $101,910
- Economist: Research economic issues by preparing reports and evaluating monetary and fiscal policy. They often advise governments and businesses on their best course of action.
- Projected job growth of 5% (As fast as average)
- $115,440
- Actuary: Analyze the uncertainty and risk associated with financial decisions and work to minimize the costs that the risks pose to businesses and individuals. This role is especially integral to the insurance industry.
- Projected job growth of 22% (Much faster than average)
- $125,770
Earn your online statistics degree with Arizona State University
ASU Online’s Bachelor of Science in statistics teaches you how to gather, organize, analyze and interpret data. You’ll learn how to apply your new knowledge in real-world scenarios to give you applicable experience for nearly every industry from tech and finance to entertainment and environmental science.
“Love sports? You can analyze player performance, help a team make better draft picks or improve fan engagement through data-driven marketing,” Dr. Broatch noted. “Into fashion? Use algorithms to optimize wardrobe selection, optimize retail inventory or predict trends. Thinking about medicine or public health? Statisticians design clinical trials, evaluate treatment effectiveness and contribute to life-saving research.”
“Whether you’re looking for flexibility, career mobility or a way to turn your interests into impact, this program gives you the foundation to get there.”
The highly transferable, in-demand skills you’ll learn include:
- Data visualization
- Experiment design
- Methods of inference
- Programming languages, such as Python, R and SAS
- Statistical modeling
In the program’s capstone course, you’ll have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and academic skills in a real-world context. This practical application helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing you for challenges you may face in your future career.
“What are you passionate about? Because chances are, there’s a way to apply data to it. Data is everywhere,” Dr. Broatch said. “A degree in statistics can take you anywhere.”
