How much does a statistician make?

The median pay is $50.79 per hour — roughly $105,500 a year, with the real range running from about $30.77/hr (10th percentile) to $83.68/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a statistician?

The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a statistician actually do all day?

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.

Computing & IT

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.

What it pays
Statisticians earn a median of $50.79/hr — about $105,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $30.77/hr; the top 10% earn $83.68/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.3% of statisticians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a statistician make?: The median pay is $50.79 per hour — roughly $105,500 a year, with the real range running from about $30.77/hr (10th percentile) to $83.68/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a statistician?: The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
What does a statistician actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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