What You Need to Know About Biostatistician
Job Description & Duties Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Daily Life Of a Biostatistician
- Design surveys to assess health issues.
- Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
- Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.
- Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena such as the spread of infectious diseases.
- Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.
- 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.
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Qualities of 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.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- Research Biostatistician
- Senior Biostatistician/Group Leader
- Clinical Biostatistician
- Associate Director of Biostatistics
Job Outlook 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,400 job openings in this field each 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.
Do Biostatisticians Make A Lot Of Money?
Biostatisticians make between $53,000 and $139,350 a year.

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 & 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
Individuals working as a Biostatistician have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Biostatistician?

Who Employs Biostatisticians?

Biostatisticians work in the following industries:

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:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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