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Biological Science Statistician, Biotechnologist, Computational Biologist, Data Scientist, Demographer, Research Analyst, Research Methodologist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Biostatisticians research statistical theories and advise on their practical applications. They develop and apply mathematical or statistical techniques to solve problems.
In general, biostatisticians:
Biostatisticians work with researchers to design and analyze studies and clinical trials. They work in areas such as:
They use their expertise to help researchers:
In public health, biostatisticians:
In universities, biostatisticians:
In biomedical research, biostatisticians apply methods from statistical, population, or quantitative genetics, or statistical genomics. They:
In the commercial sector, biostatisticians work with large datasets from clinical trials, patient support programs, or government data sources. They:
Biostatisticians usually work full time in offices for 40 hours per week. Research assistants may work on short-term contracts.
Biostatisticians need to work within their field’s regulatory requirements. They must understand and follow their employer’s policies on data governance and privacy. The data used in public or health-related research is often protected by privacy regulations.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to extend knowledge on the mathematical basis of statistics, and to develop statistical methodologies
Interest in applying statistical theory and methods to provide information in scientific and other fields such as biological and agricultural sciences, business and economics, physical sciences and engineering, and the social sciences
Interest in consulting to advise on the applications of statistical methods and analyses
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Biostatisticians need:
Biostatisticians should enjoy teamwork. They may take on different roles, including coordinating the work of others.
Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
Biostatisticians usually require a graduate degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Many students first enrol in a master’s program in science or public health. Then they go on to a PhD program.
Almost all educational programs in biostatistics are postgraduate level. These programs are found in:
Biostatisticians need strong technical education and experience in their field of work and outcomes research. They need to use software tools such as SPSS, SAS, and R.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Voluntary accreditation is available for statisticians in Canada. For current information, visit Statistical Society of Canada.
Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.
Biostatisticians are often employed in life sciences industries such as:
They find employment with:
With 5-10 years of experience, biostatisticians can move into senior or management positions within their organization. They may also progress to managerial positions in consulting or become self-employed.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
2016 NOC: 2161
78.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.
Salaries for biostatisticians vary, depending on the position, qualifications, and type of industry in which they are employed.
Biostatisticians are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 2161: Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries occupational group earned on average from $38.83 to $51.54 an hour. The overall average was $46.51 an hour. For more information, see the Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries wage profile.
Canada Job Bank website: www.jobbank.gc.ca
Statistical Society of Canada website: ssc.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 02, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
