What You Need to Know About Biostatistician
Career Description Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Life As a Biostatistician: What Do They Do?
- Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.
- Analyze clinical or survey data using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model building techniques.
- Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
- Draw conclusions or make predictions based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
- Design or maintain databases of biological data.
- Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.
Skills Needed to be a Biostatistician
Biostatisticians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Biostatistician
- Biostatistics Manager
- Principal Statistical Scientist
- Biometrician
- Associate Director of Biostatistics
What Kind of Biostatistician Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 37,200 jobs in the United States for Biostatistician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 33.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12,600 new jobs for Biostatistician by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,400 positions for Biostatistician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Biostatistician are Utah, Rhode Island, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Arkansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Biostatisticians Salary
Biostatisticians make between $53,000 and $139,350 a year.
Biostatisticians who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Biostatisticians make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $61,860 |
Alaska | $87,020 |
Arizona | $80,330 |
Arkansas | $76,630 |
California | $99,860 |
Colorado | $84,380 |
Connecticut | $101,820 |
Delaware | $100,710 |
District of Columbia | $104,310 |
Florida | $81,960 |
Georgia | $92,800 |
Hawaii | $71,040 |
Idaho | $113,780 |
Illinois | $89,040 |
Indiana | $74,870 |
Iowa | $74,430 |
Kansas | $89,250 |
Kentucky | $79,640 |
Louisiana | $76,120 |
Maine | $73,560 |
Maryland | $107,400 |
Massachusetts | $108,670 |
Michigan | $80,920 |
Minnesota | $95,930 |
Mississippi | $65,510 |
Missouri | $71,150 |
Nebraska | $67,080 |
Nevada | $71,210 |
New Hampshire | $75,880 |
New Jersey | $116,090 |
New Mexico | $81,100 |
New York | $95,870 |
North Carolina | $101,010 |
North Dakota | $75,230 |
Ohio | $82,180 |
Oklahoma | $63,120 |
Oregon | $80,920 |
Pennsylvania | $85,180 |
South Carolina | $68,320 |
Tennessee | $74,450 |
Texas | $84,940 |
Utah | $75,000 |
Vermont | $69,750 |
Virginia | $87,700 |
Washington | $100,670 |
West Virginia | $76,070 |
Wisconsin | $82,330 |
What Tools & Technology do Biostatisticians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Biostatisticians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Data visualization software
- Microsoft Windows
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- Extensible markup language XML
How do I Become a Biostatistician?
What kind of Biostatistician requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Biostatisticians?
The table below shows the approximate number of Biostatisticians employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those who work as a Biostatistician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.