Statisticians analyze data and information to help organizations make decisions. You work with computers to process numbers, interpret patterns, and communicate findings to others. The role requires a master's degree and strong math skills.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Statisticians collect, organize, and analyze data to uncover patterns and trends. You use computers and statistical software to process large amounts of information, then interpret what the numbers mean. You present your findings to colleagues and decision-makers, explaining the significance of your analysis. The work involves critical thinking to solve complex problems, getting information from various sources, and making recommendations based on evidence. You might work across industries like healthcare, finance, government, or technology.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Statisticians earn a median of $105,650 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 2,000 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most statistician roles require a master's degree in statistics, mathematics, or a related field. Your preparation involves extensive coursework in mathematics, computers and electronics, and data analysis methods. During your studies, you will develop skills in reading comprehension, writing, and speaking so you can communicate findings clearly. Some positions may accept candidates with a strong bachelor's degree and relevant experience, but a graduate degree is the typical path. Consider internships or projects that let you work with real data.
The main route to this career is earning a master's degree, though timing and program focus matter for your goals. If you are deciding between programs or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the statistician path that fits you and work through it with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a statistician, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to investigative work that involves solving puzzles with data. You enjoy analyzing information deeply, thinking critically, and uncovering what numbers reveal.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).