Statistician Kaitatau
Statisticians design studies and surveys, and collect, analyse, interpret and present numerical information to assist in decision-making.
Statisticians may do some or all of the following:
- design methods of collecting data such as studies, surveys, experiments and questionnaires
- use statistical techniques and models to forecast results, trends and needs
- identify data trends, and the differences and relationships between different sets of data
- use computer software to make graphs, tables and charts of data
- check data is accurate, write reports and present findings to clients
- provide data to help policymakers.
Useful Experience
Useful experience includes:
- any work using maths and statistics
- experience writing coding languages
- work with market research companies
- work with surveys, polls and data analysis.
Personal Qualities
Statisticians need to be:
- logical and methodical
- accurate, with an eye for detail
- able to focus on client needs
- skilled at writing and communicating complex data to clients
- motivated and able to work to deadlines
- able to work in multi-disciplinary groups
- good at decision making and problem solving.
Skills
Statisticians need to have knowledge of:
- statistical methodology and applied statistics
- data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, SAP and Hadoop, Oracle, SAS or R
- different research methods, including which methods to use for particular types of statistical data
- designing studies and surveys, and analysing and interpreting information from surveys.
Conditions
Statisticians:
- usually work regular business hours, but may also work longer hours to meet project deadlines
- usually work in offices but may have to work outside to collect data, or travel to clients' workplaces
- have to travel around New Zealand or overseas to attend conferences.
Subject Recommendations
NCEA Level 3 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include economics and maths.
Statisticians can earn around $55K-$65K per year.
Pay for statisticians varies depending on experience and what organisation they work for.
- Graduate statistical analysts usually start on about $55,000 to $65,000 a year.
- Statisticians with at least five years' experience can earn between $75,000 and $90,000.
- Specialist statisticians can earn from $100,000 to $140,000.
Source: Stats NZ, 2018.
Statisticians may move into management roles.
Statisticians may specialise in areas such as agriculture, conservation, economics or health research.
Years Of Training
4 years of training usually required.To become a statistician you usually need a Bachelor's degree in statistics or maths as a minimum qualification.
Many employers prefer you to have an Honours or postgraduate degree in applied statistics.