OVERVIEW
What Is a Biostatistician?
A biostatistician work as a trained data analyst that works in fields like biology, environmental science, public health, and medicine. Biostatisticians employ various methodologies to collect, assess, and record data that impacts the well-being of individuals and specific groups of living organisms. As they analyze this data, biostatisticians look for trends and patterns that could indicate potential health risks to populations. Many biostatisticians survey participants of clinical trials and review trial results to gauge the effectiveness of diagnostic and surgical procedures, drugs, or medical devices.
Once biostatisticians draw conclusions from their research, they typically share their findings with public health leaders, government agencies, academic institutions, or members of the scientific community. Together with these groups, biostatisticians may then publicize this information to the general public. Such information might include studies on common diseases like diabetes, environmental dangers like pollution, or notable breakthroughs in oncology or pharmacology.
While some biostatisticians choose to specialize in one area or serve a single age group, others adopt a more general approach.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Biostatistician Do?
On any given day, a biostatistician might perform tasks such as the following:
- Devising statistical methods of data analysis.
- Collecting and studying data related to bioinformatics, epidemiology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, genetics, and more.
- Applying mathematical principles and logic during analysis to answer key questions.
- Using dedicated data analysis software and data mining techniques to parse large data sets.
- Collaborating with other statisticians, data scientists, and mathematicians on projects.
- Converting raw data into actionable information via written reports or presentations.
- Publishing research studies online or in peer-reviewed journals.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Biostatistician?
On your path to becoming a biostatistician, be sure to determine how much education you’ll need to satisfy your professional goals. Consider the following steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in public health, statistics, mathematics, or a similar subject is a great foundation for an entry- or mid-level position in a biostatistics-adjacent field.
- Gain work experience. Acquire experience working in the industry. You might apply for part- or full-time jobs in data science, public health, health education, or a related field.
- Earn a master’s degree. If you’d like to increase your earning potential or qualify for higher-level roles, complete a master’s program in a relevant subject like biostatistics or public health.
- Continue your education. You may find it beneficial to seek continuing education and growth over the course of your career as a biostatistician. Specific examples of such professional development include attending a seminar, taking an online course, or earning industry certification.
Best Degrees for a Biostatistician
Health & Nursing
Master of Public Health
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...
This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.
- Time: 60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
- Tuition: $4,995 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Biostatistics and analysis
- Environmental health
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Public health policy and advocacy
- Health education and promotion
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
Health & Nursing
Public Health - B.S.
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact...
This online bachelor's degree in public health will prepare you to impact your community and make a difference.
- Time: 63% of students finish similar programs in 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,210 per 6-month term
- Courses: 33 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Cognitive psychology
- Public health approaches
- Epidemiology
- Biopsychosocial health models
This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.
How Much Does a Biostatistician Make?
$116,440
Biostatistician salaries vary depending on their level of education and work experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in May 2023 for statisticians was $116,440. The lowest 10% earned less than $62,260 while the highest 10% earned more than $183,500. Biostatisticians can expect similar earnings.
What Is the Job Outlook?
30%
The BLS states that employment of statisticians is projected to grow by 30% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Around 3,500 openings for statisticians are projected each year on average over the decade. This growth projection is similar for biostatisticians.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Biostatistician Need?
Biostatisticians practice a variety of hard and soft skills in their day-to-day work. The following skills are common among biostatisticians:
- Knowledge of data management software. Dedicated software like Tableau and Microsoft Power BI are frequently used by biostatisticians to conduct data analysis.
- Firm understanding of mathematics. Effective biostatisticians employ mathematical principles of statistics, linear algebra, calculus, and probability to make observations and develop hypotheses.
- Writing and communication. In addition to collecting and evaluating biological data, biostatisticians are often tasked with writing detailed abstracts, reports, and grants.
- Problem-solving. No matter the setting, biostatisticians almost always deal with complex sets of data and must be able to convert this data into usable, meaningful information.
- Project management. Since biostatisticians may need to work on multiple research projects at once, strong task management skills are essential.
- Interpersonal communication. Biostatisticians must be able to communicate high-level information in clear and concise ways, especially to the general public.
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