What is a Biostatistician?
Biostatistician Job Description Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
A Day in the Life of a Biostatistician
- Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
- Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
- Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences, and social sciences.
- Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
- Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
- Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.
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Biostatistician Skills
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.
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.
Types of Biostatistician
- Clinical Biostatistician
- Biomathematician
- Research Scientist
- Principal Statistical Scientist
- Associate Director of Biostatistics
Is There Going to be Demand for Biostatisticians?
There were about 37,200 jobs for Biostatistician in 2016 (in the United States). 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 typical yearly salary for Biostatisticians is somewhere between $53,000 and $139,350.

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 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
Becoming a Biostatistician
Education needed to be a Biostatistician:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Biostatistician?

Where do Biostatisticians Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Career changers with experience as a Biostatistician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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