What Does it Take to Be a Biostatistician?
Biostatistician Job Description Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Biostatistician Responsibilities
- Analyze clinical or survey data using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model building techniques.
- Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.
- Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
- Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.
- Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.
- Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.
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What a Biostatistician Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Biostatisticians say are important on the job.
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
- Biomathematician
- Research Scientist
- Associate Professor of Biostatistics
- Principal Statistical Scientist
- Senior Biostatistician/Group Leader
Is There Job Demand for Biostatisticians?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 37,200 jobs in the United States for Biostatistician. 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. There will be an estimated 4,400 positions for Biostatistician per year.

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.
What is the Average Salary of a Biostatistician
The average yearly salary of a Biostatistician ranges between $53,000 and $139,350.

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 |
What Tools & Technology do Biostatisticians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Biostatisticians may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How to Become a Biostatistician
Education needed to be a Biostatistician:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Biostatisticians Work?

Biostatisticians work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those who work as a Biostatistician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 1.0
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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