STATISTICIANS Number 300 Interest Area 11 1998
THE JOB
STATISTICIANS compile statistical data and interpret the numerical results in meaningful terms. They analyze these numbers and explain what occurred in the past and indicate what should happen in the future. Businesses, governmental agencies, and scientific research projects frequently use these indications as one of the bases for policy decisions.
Statisticians fall into two broad groups, Mathematical Statisticians and Applied Statisticians. The first group works in colleges, large businesses and agencies. They design or refine methods for analyzing data. Their work is usually theoretical in nature expanding the methods available for dealing with statistical problems. Applied Statisticians, the larger of the two groups, adapt these statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology and engineering. They attempt to solve such problems as long-range industry forecasts, reproduction levels of certain organisms or quantities of steel needed for a given project.
Statisticians work with economists, biologists, engineers, and other professionals. The statistician's main concern is the use and validity of the statistical methods used rather than the specific results which are the concern of other occupations.
The key responsibility of Statisticians is to make sure the procedures they design give truthful indications of the way things are. They provide information upon which important decisions are made and must be sure that sampling, data collection, and methods of analysis yield an unbiased, reliable result.
Statisticians must know the field to which they apply their statistical tools in order to know if the methods and results are appropriate.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Though Statisticians work in offices, they may collect data in a variety of places including hospitals, factories, laboratories, or stores. Some Statisticians specialize in one method such as sampling and work as consultants to many organizations. Others work in one particular industry and use many statistical methods. In either case, Statisticians spend time meeting with other professionals to determine the type of information needed and the methods of data acquisition available.
Many Statisticians are members of the American Statistical Association and other associations of statisticians with similar interests.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of Statisticians will grow slightly slower than average through 2005.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 850 Estimated number of workers in 2005 1,050 Projected Growth 1993-2005 24% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 250
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Most employment openings will be with private employers in manufacturing, services, transportation and public utility concerns. Federal, state and local governments will also provide some employment opportunities, mainly to replace workers who leave their jobs. Colleges and universities will also offer good employment prospects for teachers of statistics, as private industry has lured many instructors away from academia.
Applied Statisticians, in general, will experience a more favorable job market than will Mathematical Statisticians.
With new data processing equipment available, more firms can use modern statistical methods, cost analysis, quality control and scheduling. This should produce more full-time and consulting positions for statisticians. However, more firms have their employees learn statistical analysis so consulting positions will be available only to Statisticians with an extensive background or advanced degrees.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Starting salaries for Statisticians vary according to education, experience and the industry in which they work. Salaries are higher for those required to use higher mathematics, administer programs or supervise a statistical unit. Those with Bachelor of Science degrees in statistics and no experience may earn between $1,600 and $2,200 or more per month in private industry. Statisticians with experience may earn from $2,100 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size of the firm.
The Federal Government employs Statisticians at GS-5 level ($1,664 -2,164 per month) to GS-15 level ($6,044 - $7,857 per month) for a Senior Statistician or Mathematical Statistician with supervisory responsibilities. In State Government, Statistical Methods Analysts may receive monthly wages at the first level, from $2,393 to $2,864, second level wages range from $2,984 to $3,595, and third level $3,595 to $4,337. Statistical Consultants may receive $4,139 to $4,994 per month.
Statisticians usually work an eight-hour day, five days a week with from two to four weeks vacation and 8 to 13 days paid holidays. Most employers also include a comprehensive fringe benefit package.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A bachelor's degree in statistics is the minimum education for entry as an applied Statistician or related fields such as Economics or Sociology which rely on statistical applications. Employers prefer a sound background in computer programming and some knowledge or experience in their particular industry. A graduate degree, preferably a Ph.D., is the minimum education required for entry into many statistical positions. More applied-statistics positions are open in colleges, universities or research units of large corporations. As the work involves consulting with non statisticians, the Statisticians must get along with others and be able to express statistical ideas in non technical language. Effective communication skills are essential.
Recommendations vary on specific educational programs for students planning careers in statistics. Undergraduates can major in statistics or mathematics and minor in the field in which they expect to use statistical training, or they can take a full undergraduate major in the field in which they plan to apply statistical training and follow with a master's or Ph.D. degree in statistics. In either case, the future Statistician should take extensive course work or a strong minor in electronic data processing theory and techniques. Many colleges and universities in California offer bachelors' and masters' degrees in statistics. Ph.D. degrees are also offered at several colleges and universities in the State.
ADVANCEMENT
There are good promotional opportunities for Statisticians who increase their knowledge of statistics through further education or on-the-job experience. These opportunities can be actual promotions or salary increases. Statisticians with sound knowledge, appropriate background and management ability may be promoted to supervise other Statisticians or to general management positions in other departments.
FINDING THE JOB
Many employers list their entry-level openings in college placement offices. Some employers conduct preliminary interviews on campus. Since competition for jobs has increased, Statisticians must follow up these leads or those gained by direct contact with employers with resumes and interviews. Entry- level openings may also be posted in professional journals or by contacting a local office of the Employment Development Department, Job Service Division.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Statistical Association 1429 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314-3402 (703) 684-1221 www.amstat.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Mathematicians No. 66 Economists and Market Research Analysts No. 253 Actuaries No. 318
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Statistician, Mathematical 020.067-022 Statistician, Applied 020.167-026
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Statisticians 253120
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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