All About Biostatisticians
Job Description & Duties Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
What Do Biostatisticians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
- Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.
- Write program code to analyze data using statistical analysis software.
- Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
- Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
- Design surveys to assess health issues.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Biostatistician?
These are the skills Biostatisticians say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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:
- Biostatistics Manager
- Associate Director of Biostatistics
- Associate Professor of Biostatistics
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- Principal Statistical Scientist
Job Outlook for Biostatisticians
In the United States, there were 37,200 jobs for Biostatistician in 2016. 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. The BLS estimates 4,400 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Biostatistician Salary
The salary for Biostatisticians ranges between about $53,000 and $139,350 a year.
Biostatisticians who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Biostatisticians 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Biostatisticians
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
Becoming a Biostatistician
What education is needed to be a Biostatistician?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Biostatistician?
Where Biostatisticians Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Are you already one of the many Biostatistician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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