Biostatisticians help develop research studies to study patterns of diseases and treatments for diseases. Biostatisticians apply mathematics and statistics to the compilation, analysis, and reporting of health-related information.
Biostatisticians might estimate what percentage of a certain population is likely to develop a disease, consider the likelihood of disease transmission, and look at data from clinical trials and studies to determine the best method of intervention.
Biostatisticians also use their expertise in sampling and statistical significance to assist health investigators in designing studies.
Biostatisticians are usually employed in local and state health departments, federal or state agencies, private industry, and research.
Other workplace settings:
$93,300
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not specifically collect employment information on biostatisticians, there is a positive outlook with greater advancement opportunities and projected to grow 33 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 5,200 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Biostatisticians receive their education through academic programs at colleges or universities. Biostatisticians must earn at least a bachelor’s degree, and most academic programs require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
American Statistical Association
732 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(888) 231-3473
www.amstat.org
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
1900 L Street, NW, Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-1099
www.aspph.org