Statisticians

Employment for statisticians is expected to grow by 31 percent, much faster than the average for all careers, through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). We live in a world of data these days as a result of Internet searching and the use of social media, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Businesses and nonprofit organizations will increasingly need statisticians to organize, analyze, and sort this data. This growth will be due to more widespread use of statistical analysis to make informed business, health care, and policy decisions. Most recently, the coronavirus pandemic has affected all areas of life in the U.S. and throughout the world. Statisticians are in high demand to provide statistical analysis of public health, health care, the economy, policy decisions, and other topics related to the pandemic.

The federal government will continue to need statisticians for various agencies (for example, in Social Security, environmental protection, and demography), though competition is predicted to be high for jobs. Private industry will continue to need statisticians, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in engineering and in the physical and life sciences.

Statisticians with a master's degree, knowledge of computer science and data analytics, and a strong background in a related discipline, such as finance, engineering, biology, or computer science, should have the best job prospects. These candidates can also teach in junior colleges and small four-year colleges. The employment outlook will also be good for those with doctorates in statistics. These individuals are eagerly sought by large corporations as consultants, and they are also in demand by colleges and universities.