Statisticians
Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.
Is statisticians a good career?
It scores 31/100 and ranks #127 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($105,650 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+8.5% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a master's degree
What statisticians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. statisticians earn between $82,220 and $141,490 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live statisticians jobs
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No placeholder listings · nothing inventedHow to become a statistician
- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
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.
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.
Related occupations
How much do statisticians make?
The national median wage is $105,650 a year, with the middle half earning between $82,220 and $141,490 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is statisticians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 31 of 100 and ranks #127 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +8.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a statistician?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree.
Where do statisticians earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($140,670). Local pay for every state and metro is below.