Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

SOC: 15-2041.01

Common Job Titles

  • Biometrician
  • Biostatistician
  • Research Scientist
  • Statistical Scientist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex biological and medical datasets using advanced statistical methods and software (R, SAS, Python) to identify patterns and relationships.
  • KnowledgeDesign biostatistical models and experimental methodologies for clinical trials and life sciences research, addressing scientific hypotheses.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize findings from multiple data sources and statistical analyses to formulate evidence-based conclusions for interdisciplinary research teams.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate statistical assumptions, model fit, and data quality to ensure validity and reliability of research findings in biomedical contexts.
  • KnowledgeApply mathematical and statistical theory to solve complex problems in biological and medical research domains.
  • MindsetIntegrate statistical expertise with collaborative input from clinicians, biologists, and researchers when consulting on study design and analytical approaches.
  • MindsetAdvocate for rigorous statistical practices and ethical data management in research environments to maintain scientific integrity.
  • KnowledgeInterpret complex statistical results and translate technical findings to non-statistical audiences including clinicians, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
  • KnowledgeDevelop statistical computing scripts and analytical pipelines using programming languages (Python, R, SAS) for reproducible data analysis.
  • KnowledgeAssess clinical trial protocols and research proposals for statistical adequacy, sample size requirements, and methodological soundness.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Biostatisticians (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

29,800

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $60,390. 25th percentile: U.S. $79,210. 50th percentile: U.S. $103,300. 75th percentile: U.S. $137,610. 90th percentile: U.S. $170,700. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$60,390
10% of workers earn the following or more$170,700
Workers on average earn$112,330

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mathematics4.7/5
  • English Language3.9/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.7/5
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.0/5
  • Biology2.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Bash
  • C#
  • C++
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Git
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • JavaScript
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • MySQL
  • Oracle Database
  • Oracle Java
  • PHP
  • Perl
  • Python
  • R
  • SAP software
  • SAS
  • Shell script
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX

Technology Skills

  • Clinical trials database software
  • Data mining software
  • Data visualization software
  • Database software
  • Graphics software
  • Insightful S-PLUS
  • Microsoft operating system
  • Minitab
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Computer data input scanners
  • Computer laser printers
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Mainframe computers
  • Personal computers
  • Plotters