Statistics
Why Is Statistics Important?
This article explains why statistics is important and why it’s essential in society. We’ll give you the top reasons with examples.
Sarah Thomas
Subject Matter Expert
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10 Most Popular Jobs for Statistics Majors
08.18.2023 • 3 min read
Sarah Thomas
Subject Matter Expert
Here’s the most popular jobs for statistics majors, including how statistics relates to each and the average wage. Also learn why we even need statistics.
In This Article
If you love complex problem-solving and data analysis, consider getting a statistics degree. A bachelor’s degree in statistics can lead to career paths in industries, from healthcare to finance to politics.
In today's data-driven world, an enormous demand exists for people to analyze data and communicate statistical findings to others. This means a degree in statistics can open up a wide range of career opportunities for you, from data analysis and research to consulting and forecasting.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best jobs for students with a bachelor’s degree in statistics.
Why Is Statistics Important in Society?
Statistics is an essential tool. It helps us make informed decisions based on data-driven evidence. Without it, we wouldn’t understand complex phenomena, make predictions, and create effective policies to improve society's overall welfare.
We use statistical analysis in fields such as medicine, business, economics, and public policy.
If you’re interested in working with data and have a strong foundation in math, then statistics is a great college major. Statisticians also benefit from having a strong interest in particular research areas.
If there’s a set of questions or topics you’re curious about, you might consider majoring, double-majoring, or minoring in statistics. Learning statistics will help you build expertise.
Jobs for Statistics Majors
As a statistics major, you have multiple career options. With a degree in statistics, you can work in fields like healthcare, finance, government, and business.
Here’s a list of 10 popular jobs for statistics graduates with wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Indeed.com.
1. Data Analyst
Median Salary: $74,822
Data analysts use statistics to analyze and interpret large datasets. They help organizations make informed data-driven decisions by identifying patterns and trends in the data.
2. Data Scientist
Median Salary: $100,910
Data scientists use statistical methods, algorithms, and computer programming to analyze and interpret large datasets. Most data scientists have a background in computer science and work for large companies and tech firms.
3. Statistician
Median Salary: $96,280
Statisticians use data collection and statistical knowledge to analyze many problems. They usually work for large public and private research organizations, government agencies, or academic institutions. To be a statistician, you may need to get a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in applied mathematics or statistics.
4. Actuary
Median Salary: $105,900
Actuaries study and manage financial risk. They use statistical models to assess the likelihood and economic cost of future events, such as accidents or natural disasters. As an actuary, you will likely work for an insurance company.
5. Biostatistician
Median Salary: $114,610
Biostatisticians work in healthcare. They use statistical methods to analyze data related to diseases and public health. They work with and advise doctors on how to collect data and run clinical trials.
6. Business Analyst
Median Salary: $63,920
Market research and business analysts collect and analyze data on consumers and competitors. They use statistics to identify market trends, determine the demand for products and services, and develop new marketing strategies.
7. Operations Research Analyst
Median Salary: $82,360
Operations research analysts use mathematical modeling and statistical analysis to solve complex problems in business, healthcare, and other fields.
8. Financial Analyst
Median Salary: $95,570
Financial analysts study financial markets and work in teams that help individuals and businesses with finance-related decision-making.
9. Quality Assurance Analyst
Median Salary: $109,020
Software developers design and build computer applications and programs, while quality control analysts use statistical methods to identify areas where software can be improved and to ensure products meet expectations and standards.
10. Political Scientists
Median Salary: $122,510
Political scientists use statistics to model elections and to study voter sentiment. Political scientists specializing in statistics can work for the media, non-profits, think tanks, or politicians.
If statistics piques your interest, get started on your statistics journey today by signing up for an introductory course. You can register for a course at your college or take a course online at your own pace and convenience. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your analytical skills and expand your knowledge. Before you know it, you could be a statistician!
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