Statisticians

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.

On the job, you would:

Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Mathematicians and statisticians use mathematical techniques and models to evaluate large amounts of data.

Communication skills. Mathematicians and statisticians must be able to explain technical concepts and solutions in nontechnical ways.

Logical-thinking skills. Mathematicians and statisticians must understand and be able to use computer programming languages to design and develop models and to analyze data.

Math skills. Mathematicians and statisticians use statistics, calculus, and linear algebra to develop their models and analyses.

Problem-solving skills. Mathematicians and statisticians must devise solutions to problems encountered in science, engineering, and other fields.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		90%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		88%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		85%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		80%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		75%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		75%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		74%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		71%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		66%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		65%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		64%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		64%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		64%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		54%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		89%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
		83%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		78%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		72%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		67%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		61%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		61%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		91%	Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
		81%	Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
		78%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		75%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		75%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		75%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		72%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		69%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		63%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		60%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		60%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		56%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		53%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		82%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		70%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		70%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		63%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		61%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		59%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		57%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		55%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		55%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		55%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		52%	Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Present research results to others.

Prepare analytical reports.

Design software applications.

Present research results to others.

Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.

Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.

Write computer programming code.

Implement security measures for computer or information systems.

Install computer software.

Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information.

Prepare analytical reports.

Prepare data for analysis.

Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.

Evaluate data quality.

Prepare data for analysis.

Evaluate project designs to determine adequacy or feasibility.

Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.

Evaluate data quality.

Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.

Design research studies to obtain scientific information.

Supervise information technology personnel.

Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.

Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.

Design research studies to obtain scientific information.

Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		96%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		90%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		89%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		85%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		83%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		82%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		76%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		74%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		73%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		70%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		64%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		59%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		59%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		58%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		65%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		94%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		93%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		88%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		86%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		85%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		81%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		75%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		75%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		71%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		71%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		68%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		65%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		63%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		60%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		60%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		59%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		53%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		51%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

What Mathematicians and Statisticians Do

Mathematicians and statisticians work with formulas and data to help solve problems in industry, academia, and government.

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.

Duties

Mathematicians and statisticians typically do the following:

Decide what data are needed to answer specific questions or problems
Apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields
Design surveys, experiments, or opinion polls to collect data
Develop mathematical or statistical models to analyze data
Interpret data and communicate analyses to technical and nontechnical audiences
Use statistical software to analyze data and create visualizations to aid decision making in business

To solve problems, mathematicians rely on statisticians to design surveys, questionnaires, experiments, and opinion polls for collecting the data they need. For most surveys and opinion polls, statisticians gather data from some people in a particular group. Statisticians determine the type and size of this sample for collecting data in the survey or poll.

Following data collection is analysis, which involves mathematicians and statisticians using specialized statistical software. In their analyses, mathematicians and statisticians identify trends and relationships within the data. They also conduct tests to determine the data’s validity and to account for possible errors. Some help write software code to analyze data more accurately and efficiently.

Mathematicians and statisticians present findings from their analyses and discuss the data’s limitations in order to ensure accurate interpretation. They may present written reports, tables, and charts to team members, clients, and other users.

Mathematicians and statisticians work in any field that benefits from data analysis, including education, government, healthcare, and research and development.

Colleges and universities. Mathematicians and statisticians working in postsecondary schools may study theoretical or abstract concepts in these fields. They identify, research, and work to resolve unexplained issues in mathematics and explore mathematical or statistical theories to increase knowledge and understanding about the field.

Government. Mathematicians and statisticians working in government develop surveys and collect and analyze data on a variety of topics, including employment, crop production, and energy use. At all levels of government, these data help to inform policy proposals and decisions that affect the public.

Healthcare. Statisticians known as biostatisticians or biometricians work in pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies, or hospitals. They may design studies to test whether drugs successfully treat diseases or medical conditions. They may also help identify the sources of outbreaks of illnesses in humans and animals.

Research and development. Mathematicians and statisticians design experiments for product testing and development. For example, they may help design experiments to see how car engines perform when exposed to extreme weather or analyze consumer data for use in developing marketing strategies.

Typically, mathematicians and statisticians work on teams with other specialists to solve problems. For example, they may work with chemists, materials scientists, and chemical engineers to analyze the effectiveness of a new drug or help data scientists develop statistical models.

Work Environment

Mathematicians held about 2,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of mathematicians were as follows:

Federal government	54%
Professional, scientific, and technical services	19
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	16

Statisticians held about 33,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of statisticians were as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	16%
Federal government	16
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private	11
Healthcare and social assistance	7
Computer systems design and related services	6

Mathematicians and statisticians typically work in offices. They also may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other specialists.

Work Schedules

Most mathematicians and statisticians work full time. Deadlines and last-minute requests for data or analysis may require overtime. In addition, these workers may travel to attend seminars and conferences.

Getting Started

Education:

65%

Master's Degree

20%

Doctoral Degree

How to Become a Mathematician or Statistician

Years of study are required to become a mathematician or statistician.

Mathematicians and statisticians typically need at least a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. However, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree.

Education

Students who are interested in becoming mathematicians or statisticians should take as many math courses as possible in high school.

For jobs with the federal government, candidates need at least a bachelor’s degree or significant coursework in mathematics. In private industry, mathematicians typically need either a master’s or a doctoral degree; statisticians typically need a master's degree, but some entry-level positions may accept candidates with a bachelor's degree.

Most colleges and universities have bachelor’s degree programs in mathematics. Courses usually include calculus, differential equations, and linear and abstract algebra. Mathematics students also commonly take courses in a related field, such as computer science, physics, or statistics.

Many universities offer master’s and doctoral degrees in theoretical or applied mathematics. Students who get a doctoral degree may work as professors of mathematics in a college or university.

Statisticians typically need a master’s degree, but some entry-level positions may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Students majoring in statistics also may take courses in another field, such as computer science, life sciences, or physical sciences. These courses may help prepare students to work in a variety of industries. For example, coursework in biology, chemistry, or health sciences is useful for testing pharmaceutical or agricultural products. Physics may be useful for statisticians working in manufacturing on quality improvement.

Advancement

Mathematicians and statisticians may advance to become senior mathematicians or statisticians or to work in other managerial roles. A master’s or doctoral degree may be required for some advancement opportunities.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 30 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,500 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment of mathematicians and statisticians varies by occupation (see table). Employment growth for statisticians is expected to result from more widespread use of statistical analysis to inform business, healthcare, and policy decisions. The amount of digitally stored data will increase over the projections decade as people and companies continue to conduct business online and use social media, smartphones, and other mobile devices. As a result, businesses will increasingly need statisticians to analyze the large amount of information and data collected. Statistical analyses will help companies improve their business processes, design and develop new products, and advertise products to potential customers.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about mathematicians, including training, especially for doctoral-level employment, visit

American Mathematical Society

For more information about statisticians, visit

American Statistical Association

This is Statistics

For specific information on careers in applied mathematics, visit

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics

For information on federal government requirements for mathematician positions, visit

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of mathematicians and statisticians.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Actuaries	Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty.	Bachelor's degree	$113,990
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve efficiency.	Bachelor's degree	$102,240
Data Scientists	Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.	Bachelor's degree	$103,500
Financial Analysts	Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit.	Bachelor's degree	$96,220
Market Research Analysts	Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service.	Bachelor's degree	$68,230
Operations Research Analysts	Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.	Bachelor's degree	$85,720
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840
Survey Researchers	Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.	Master's degree	$60,410
Economists	Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data.	Master's degree	$113,940
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.	Bachelor's degree	$97,800
Physicists and Astronomers	Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.	Doctoral or professional degree	$139,220

Statisticians

Mathematician or Statistician

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Mathematicians and Statisticians Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Mathematician or Statistician

Education

Advancement

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations