Statisticians in Santa Clara County

May also be called: Actuaries; Analytical Statisticians; Applied Statisticians; Clinical Data Analysts; Clinical Statistics Managers; Database Analysts; Financial Analysts; Research Analysts; Research Associates; and Statistical Analysts

Specialties within this occupation include: Biostatisticians and Clinical Data Managers

What Would I Do?

Statisticians collect large amounts of statistical data and interpret the information so they can provide insight or offer possible solutions. They work in a variety of fields such as government, marketing, health care, and manufacturing. Statisticians working in government agencies may research unemployment rates to help guide government policy. Insurance companies may employ them to calculate risk. Manufacturing companies may hire Statisticians to design experiments to test their products.

When doing research, Statisticians determine the data needed to answer questions and solve problems. To collect data Statisticians often supervise or design experiments, surveys, or opinion polls. When the data is collected, Statisticians analyze and interpret data using a variety of methods.

Statisticians are also responsible for writing reports and presenting their findings on any relationships or trends they discover in their research. They often use charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate their findings. They also report the limitations to their research so inappropriate conclusions will not be drawn.

Biostatisticians specialize in designing studies or clinical trials to test whether a drug treatment is working effectively. They also study the cause, distribution, and control of illnesses. Their work may cover problems such as testing new drug treatments on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or learning new factors that cause heart disease.

Clinical Data Managers work in the health care industry designing clinical trials. They specialize in developing protocol for data collection. They often supervise a team and ensure that all members are trained and follow procedures for collecting data.

Tools and Technology

Statisticians use a variety of tools and technology in the course of their work. They use personal computers, tablet computers, and smart phones. They also use statistical analysis software; spreadsheet, presentation, and word processing applications; and e-mail.

Working Conditions

Statisticians generally work in an office and do most of their work on a computer. They may experience eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems from using a computer for long periods of time. They sometimes travel to other locations to supervise surveys, consult with clients, or gather data. They typically work a 40 hour week but may have to work overtime to meet deadlines. Statisticians commonly work on teams with different groups of people such as scientists, doctors, business professionals, or other Statisticians.

Unionization is not common for Statisticians; however, those in government agencies may be unionized.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of Statistician may appeal to individuals who like working with data and details. They should have good verbal and written communication skills as they often report technical data to groups of people who may not have the same statistical background.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

Wages

The median wage in 2021 for Statisticians in California was $110,253 annually, or $53.00 hourly. The median wage for Statisticians in San Benito and Santa Clara Counties was $114,813 annually, or $55.20 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Benefits

Statisticians typically receive excellent benefit packages, such as health and life insurance, pension plans, and vacation and sick leave.

What is the Job Outlook?

Job prospects should be good for Statisticians as businesses continue to organize and analyze data for commercial reasons and government agencies must make informed decisions on government policies. Also, large increases in available data from the Internet have opened up new areas for statistical analysis.

Biostatisticians and Clinical Data Managers will also be needed as the health care industry grows. As the population ages, the health care industry will continue to develop new treatments that will require Biostatisticians and Clinical Data Managers to design research and clinical trials.

Projections of Employment

In California, the number of Statisticians is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Statisticians are expected to increase by 40.7 percent, or 2,200 jobs between 2018 and 2028.

In San Benito and Santa Clara Counties, the number of Statisticians is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Statisticians are expected to increase by 39.5 percent, or 170 jobs between 2018 and 2028.

How Do I Qualify?

Education, Training, and Other Requirements

A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some entry-level Statistician jobs. However, many employers require a master’s degree in statistics or another closely related field such as mathematics or course work in survey methodology. Research and academic jobs generally require a Ph.D.

Statisticians should also have a background in the field of work they may enter. For Biostatisticians and Clinical Data Managers, a background in biology, chemistry, or health science is important. Courses in economics and business administration are helpful for many jobs in market research, business analysis, and forecasting. Also, a background in computer science is highly recommended for prospective Statisticians as computers are often used in statistical applications.

Experience

Prior experience is not always required; however, employers generally look for applicants with relevant experience. For Biostatisticians and Clinical Data Managers, employers often prefer applicants with previous experience with a pharmaceutical company.

An internship may be a good way for prospective Statisticians to gain practical work experience. Organizations offering internships look for students working towards their bachelor’s degree in statistics. However, many internship opportunities require individuals who are pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D.

Early Career Planning

High school students interested in becoming a Statistician should take courses in statistics, mathematics, economics, science, computers, English, and public speaking.

Continuing Education

While continuing education is not a requirement for Statisticians, it is important for them to stay up-to-date on current methodology, practices, and technologies being used in their profession. Having current knowledge will increase the likelihood of career advancement. Continuing education is required to maintain certain certifications.

Certification

Statisticians may get an Accredited Professional Statistician (PStat) certificate. This certificate is offered by the American Statistical Association. Certification can demonstrate to an employer skills and knowledge beyond that needed for the profession. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career InfoNet Web site and scroll down to "Career Tools." Click on "Certification Finder" and follow the instructions to locate certification programs.

Where Can I Find Training?

There are two ways to search for training information:

• Search by Field of Study to find what programs are available and what schools offer those programs. You may use keywords such as: statistics or biostatistics.
• Search by Training Provider to find schools by name, type of school, or location.

Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work.

Where Would I Work?

The largest industries employing Statisticians are as follows:

Finding a Job

Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Applicants can also find employment opportunities through classified ads, professional associations, and online job boards. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).

Yellow Page Headings

You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Statisticians.

• College and Universities
• Government Offices
• Insurance
• Management Consultants
• Medical Research
• Research and Development Labs
• Research Services

Find Possible Employers

To locate a list of employers in your area, go to "Find Employers" on the Labor Market Information Web site:

• Select one of the top industries that employ the occupation. This will give you a list of employers in that industry in your area.
• Click on "View Filter Selections" to limit your list to specific cities or employer size.
• Click on an employer for the street address, telephone number, size of business, Web site, etc.
• Contact the employer for possible employment.

Where Could This Job Lead?

With more job experience, Statisticians will be able to advance to senior or management positions. Those who have a master’s degree or a Ph.D. will find more opportunities for advancement. In addition, those with advanced degrees can usually design their own work and develop new statistical methods. They may also go on to become independent consultants.

Related Occupations

Below is a list of occupations related to Statisticians with links to more information.

Other Sources

• American Mathematical Society
       www.ams.org
• American Statistical Association
       www.amstat.org
• Institute of Mathematical Statistics
       www.imstat.org

These links are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement by EDD.

For the Career Professional

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