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Between 2006 and 2009, 0.3% of employed doctoral graduates, or 45 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as statisticians six months after graduation.

Job description

Doctoral level statisticians are typically found in the ‘other common doctoral occupations' job cluster at the start of their careers, although some enter roles in HE research.

Statisticians are concerned with the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of quantitative information. They work in a range of sectors including health, education, government, finance, the environment, transportation, market research as well as throughout industry, business and commerce. Statisticians design and manage experiments and surveys, dealing with the initial collection of data. They process and analyse the data in context, looking for patterns to help make decisions. They advise on findings and recommend strategy. Statisticians often work in teams, usually including professionals from other disciplines. Strong analytical and IT skills are essential, as are interpersonal and communication skills in order to share findings with colleagues and clients.

Typical work activities

Statisticians agree with clients about what data to collect and how it should be gathered, taking into account any ethical and legislative considerations. They also collect data personally or explain to others how to do it.

Statisticians analyse data, interpret results and indicate the reliability of findings with the aid of mathematical techniques and software. They then interpret and communicate results to clients ensuring that complex statistical concepts are explained in a way they can understand, and advise on strategy.

Entry requirements

Doctoral graduates are in great demand in this area. A doctorate would often be necessary in university teaching and research but is also in demand with other organisations such as banks and financial institutions.

Competition for statistician posts in the Civil Service can be intense. The Government Statistical Service (GSS)  operates three schemes: a fast-stream assistant statistician recruitment scheme; a mainstream statistical officer scheme; and a temporary statistical officer scheme on a fixed-term contract.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

  • Computer literacy
  • Analytical ability and communication skills
  • A clear understanding of statistical terms and concepts
  • An ability to work alone as well as in teams
  • The ability to work with data and people at all levels within a range of organisations

Joining the Royal Statistical Society (RSS)  or Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry (PSI) provides access to informative newsletters featuring job listings and to events and training.

Salary

  • Range of typical starting salaries is £18,000 - £35,000 (salary data collected September 2008)
  • Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10 - 15 years in the role) is £30,000 - £65,000 with some even higher (salary data collected September 2008)
  • Salaries vary depending upon employer, location, qualifications and experience.

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering statistics were:

Career stories

None available

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