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Statistician

Statisticians plan, collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data, as well as studies involving empirical and other data, to provide usable information for a wide range of activities. They may be involved in agricultural or health research, evaluating government programs, assessing environmental problems, improving manufacturing or business processes, or forecasting future economic conditions.

Also Known As

Biostatistician, Data Scientist, Research Methodologist, Research Scientist

NOC Codes

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

  • 2161.2: Statisticians

2006 NOC-S

  • C061: Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries

2011 NOC

  • 2161: Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries

2016 NOC

  • 2161: Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries

2021 NOC

  • 21210: Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries

2023 OaSIS

  • 21210.02: Statisticians
Duties
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Statisticians work in fields such as:

  • Business, economics, and finance
  • Engineering
  • Agricultural, biological, environmental, physical, or social sciences
  • Medicine and public health

In any of these fields, they may:

  • Employ their knowledge of statistical theory and methods to solve data-centric problems
  • Design and apply statistical methodology to make decisions or generate predictions
  • Use mathematics and computer programming to conduct research within the discipline of statistics

In general, statisticians work with others to:

  • Design surveys and experimental studies
  • Analyze observational studies
  • Determine concrete and efficient data-collection methods
  • Analyze, summarize, and carry out inferences from collected data
  • Use statistical software and write code to conduct data analysis
  • Write reports and present findings in the form of tables and graphs

In business and industry, corporations employ statisticians to work in:

  • Market research
  • Human resource forecasting
  • Inventory control
  • Cost analysis
  • Process improvement

For example, statisticians in business and industry may design, conduct, and interpret customer satisfaction surveys.

In government, statisticians work in:

  • Program planning
  • Technological research
  • Policy analysis
  • Public health
  • Operational research
  • Agricultural research
  • Urban planning
  • Wildlife management
  • Energy and resource management
  • Labour and economic forecasting
  • Social research

In research, statisticians work with other professionals to plan and conduct studies and experiments. For example, statisticians involved in medical research work with clinicians, such as physicians and nurses, to investigate the causes of disease, and assess new drugs and medical treatments.

Duties of statisticians are like those of data scientists and mathematicians. For more information, see the Data Scientist and Mathematician occupational profiles.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Statisticians work in an office environment. They usually work normal office hours but may work overtime to meet project deadlines. They often work on several different projects at the same time. Normally, statisticians work as part of a team of professionals with different specialties. However, they may also work alone.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Statisticians

2006 NOC: 2161.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in synthesizing information to extend knowledge on the mathematical basis of statistics, and to develop statistical methodologies

METHODICAL

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

DIRECTIVE

Interest in consulting to advise on the applications of statistical methods and analyses

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Statisticians need:

  • An aptitude for statistics and mathematics
  • The ability to use and program statistical and other software
  • The ability to think logically
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to work independently, or with others
  • The ability to be detailed oriented
  • The ability to write clear, concise reports in language appropriate for intended readers

Statisticians should enjoy:

  • Synthesizing data
  • Applying statistical theories and methods
  • Working with others to understand and solve problems
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

The minimum academic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in statistics or applied mathematics. A graduate degree (master’s or doctoral) is typically required for higher level positions. A doctoral degree (PhD) is required to work in a research-intensive position. While most working statisticians come from programs in statistics, there are also others coming from mathematics and physics.


Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.


Related Education

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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 24, 2023
  • Certification Not Regulated

Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, the Statistical Society of Canada (SSC) provides two levels of accreditation for statisticians in Canada: Professional Statistician (P.Stat.) and Associate Statistician (A.Stat.). For further information on accreditation requirements, visit the SSC website.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Statisticians work for a variety of employers, including:

  • Financial institutions
  • Statistics Canada and other government departments
  • Medical and educational research agencies
  • Science and engineering consulting firms
  • Market research companies
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Manufacturers and other companies requiring process improvement
  • Large-scale manufacturing plants that require sophisticated maintenance programs
  • Universities

Most jobs are located in major urban areas.

Outstanding individuals with graduate degrees and many years of experience may move into management positions or become private consultants.

Industry Concentration

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.

In the 2161: Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries occupational group, 78.1% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2161: Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 10% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 20 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Salaries vary a great deal in this occupation.

Statisticians 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.

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
  • Environment, Forestry and Related Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences
  • Social Sciences, Law and Religious Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 24, 2023

Statistical Society of Canada (SSC) website: ssc.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 24, 2023. 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.

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