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Statisticians

THE JOB

STATISTICIANS compile statistical data and interpret the numerical results
in meaningful terms.  They analyze these numbers and explain what occurred
in the past and indicate what should happen in the future.  Businesses,
governmental agencies, and scientific Research projects frequently use these
indications as one of the bases for policy decisions.

Statisticians fall into two broad groups, Mathematical Statisticians and
Applied Statisticians.  The first group works in colleges, large businesses
and agencies.  They design or refine methods for analyzing data.  Their work
is usually theoretical in nature expanding the methods available for dealing
with statistical problems.  Applied Statisticians, the larger of the two
groups, adapt these statistical methods to solve specific problems in many
fields, such as economics, biology and engineering.  They attempt to solve
such problems as long-range industry forecasts, reproduction levels of
certain organisms or quantities of steel needed for a given project.  

Statisticians work with economists, biologists, engineers, and other
professionals.  The statistician's main concern is the use and validity of
the statistical methods used rather than the specific results which are the
concern of other occupations.

The key responsibility of Statisticians is to make sure the procedures they
design give truthful indications of the way things are.  They provide
information upon which important decisions are made and must be sure that
sampling, data collection, and methods of analysis yield an unbiased,
reliable result.

Statisticians must know the field to which they apply their statistical
tools in order to know if the methods and results are appropriate.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Though Statisticians work in offices, they may collect data in a variety of
places including hospitals, factories, laboratories, or stores.  Some
Statisticians specialize in one method such as sampling and work as
consultants to many organizations.  Others work in one particular industry
and use many statistical methods.  In either case, Statisticians spend time
meeting with other professionals to determine the type of information needed
and the methods of data acquisition available.

Many Statisticians are members of the American Statistical Association and
other associations of statisticians with similar interests.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market
Information Division, shows that the number of Statisticians will grow
slightly slower than average through 2005.

Estimated number of workers in 1993               850
Estimated number of workers in 2005             1,050
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        24%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005     250

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Most employment openings will be with private employers in manufacturing,
services, transportation and public utility concerns.   Federal, state and
local governments will also provide some employment opportunities, mainly to
replace workers who leave their jobs.  Colleges and universities will also
offer good employment prospects for teachers of statistics, as private
industry has lured many instructors away from academia.

Applied Statisticians, in general, will experience a more favorable job
market than will Mathematical Statisticians.

With new data processing equipment available, more firms can use modern
statistical methods, cost analysis, quality control and scheduling.  This
should produce more full-time and consulting positions for statisticians.
However, more firms have their employees learn statistical analysis so
consulting positions will be available only to Statisticians with an
extensive background or advanced degrees.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Starting salaries for Statisticians vary according to education, experience
and the industry in which they work.  Salaries are higher for those required
to use higher mathematics, administer programs or supervise a statistical
unit.  Those with Bachelor of Science degrees in statistics and no
experience may earn between $1,600 and $2,200 or more per month in private
industry.  Statisticians with experience may earn from $2,100 to $5,000 or
more, depending on the size of the firm.  

The Federal Government employs Statisticians at GS-5 level ($1,664 -2,164
per month) to GS-15 level ($6,044 - $7,857 per month) for a Senior
Statistician or Mathematical Statistician with supervisory responsibilities.
In State Government, Statistical Methods Analysts may receive monthly wages
at the first level,  from $2,393 to $2,864, second level wages range from
$2,984 to $3,595, and third level $3,595 to $4,337.  Statistical Consultants
may receive $4,139 to $4,994 per month.

Statisticians usually work an eight-hour day, five days a week with from two
to four weeks vacation and 8 to 13 days paid holidays.  Most employers also
include a comprehensive fringe benefit package.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

A bachelor's degree in statistics is the minimum education for entry as an
applied Statistician or related fields such as Economics or Sociology which
rely on statistical applications.  Employers prefer a sound background in
computer programming and some knowledge or experience in their particular
industry.  A graduate degree, preferably a Ph.D., is the minimum education
required for entry into many statistical positions.  More applied-statistics
positions are open in colleges, universities or Research units of large
corporations.  As the work involves consulting with non statisticians, the
Statisticians must get along with others and be able to express statistical
ideas in non technical language.  Effective communication skills are
essential.

Recommendations vary on specific educational programs for students planning
careers in statistics.  Undergraduates can major in statistics or
mathematics and minor in the field in which they expect to use statistical
training, or they can take a full undergraduate major in the field in which
they plan to apply statistical training and follow with a master's or Ph.D.
degree in statistics.  In either case, the future Statistician should take
extensive course work or a strong minor in electronic data processing theory
and techniques.  Many colleges and universities in California offer
bachelors' and masters' degrees in statistics.  Ph.D. degrees are also
offered at several colleges and universities in the State.


ADVANCEMENT

There are good promotional opportunities for Statisticians who increase
their knowledge of statistics through further education or on-the-job
experience.  These opportunities can be actual promotions or salary
increases.  Statisticians with sound knowledge, appropriate background and
management ability may be promoted to supervise other Statisticians or to
general management positions in other departments.


FINDING THE JOB

Many employers list their entry-level openings in college placement offices.
Some employers conduct preliminary interviews on campus.  Since competition 
for jobs has increased, Statisticians must follow up these leads or those
gained by direct contact with employers with resumes and interviews.  Entry-
level openings may also be posted in professional journals or by contacting
a local office of the Employment Development Department, Job Service Division.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

American Statistical Association
1429 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA   22314-3402
(703) 684-1221
www.amstat.org

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Mathematicians                            No.  66
Economists and Market Research Analysts   No  253
Actuaries                                 No. 318

OCCUPATIONAL CODE  REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Statistician, Mathematical            020.067-022
Statistician, Applied                 020.167-026

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Statisticians                              253120


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.