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.

Statistician