Biostatistics is a specialized area in the field of statistics that focuses on data collection, studying and examining data related to living things and public health. After analyzing the statistics and data, the biostatistician’s findings allow them to make predictions or draw conclusions using statistical methods. Individuals who wish to become a biostatistician have a love of science, math, and data analysis often find this career a perfect fit. With the need for data analysts and research studies in so many areas, those wishing to become a biostatistician may find work in many high-tech areas, as well as in academia, government jobs or industries.
What is a Biostatistician?
When you think what is a biostatistician, think of those who enjoy creating solutions by data analysis and statistics would find a rewarding career in biostatistics. These professionals will find that their math, science and statistics skills transfer to the medical research field to answer questions to medical problems and prevent them from happening in the future. Biostatisticians also write research proposals and research studies to demonstrate their findings from their data collected to the scientific community and also participate in clinical trials. Some combine their careers into conducting research and teaching at universities.
Biostatisticians work to decide what data are needed to solve problems or answer questions. They apply statistical theories and data analysis techniques to solve problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields such as medicine. They also design surveys and experiments, develop statistical models to analyze data, interpret data and communicate their findings.
Biostatisticians develop and apply statistical techniques and algorithms to scientific research in health-related fields like genomics, genetics and neuroscience, among others. The largest part of their day is spent collecting data and performing fieldwork. They also collaborate with other analysts and scientists, working in universities, laboratories or even office settings.
Educational Requirement
Biostatistician education requirements for most biostatisticians is to have master’s degrees or higher. Although biostatistician education typically requires a master’s degree, some entry level positions may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates just starting their training may first complete a bachelor’s degree in math or statistics. This bachelor’s degree not only prepares them for what they’ll need for one of the entry level positions as a biostatistician but also meets the admission requirements for graduate programs to earn a master’s or doctoral degree. Students in a bachelor’s degree program also complete courses in biostatistics, regression analysis, data mining, probability theory, applied survival analysis, experimental design and often complete a research project to prepare them for a master’s degree.
Students working on their bachelor’s degree also may take courses in other fields, including computer science, life sciences, statistical analysis and physical sciences. These courses help prepare students to work in a number of industries. Coursework in biology, chemistry, and health sciences is useful for testing products related to pharmaceutical or agricultural. Understanding physics may be useful for biostatisticians working in quality improvement in a manufacturing setting.
After earning the baccalaureate degree, candidates typically obtain a master’s degree or enter a doctoral program. Although many biostatisticians have excellent careers with a master’s degree, some still choose to earn the doctorate with the hopes of finding more career opportunities. O*Net Online reports that 58 percent of biostatistician jobs require a master’s degrees and 29 percent require doctoral degrees, with 13 percent requiring a bachelor’s degree. Students pursuing doctoral degrees often work for a while to gain work experience prior to enrolling in the doctoral degree program.
Important qualities of a Biostatistician
Analytical skills using mathematical techniques and models to evaluate large amounts of data.
Communication skills to explain technical concepts and solutions in an understandable way.
Logical-thinking skills to understand and use computer programming languages to design and develop models and analyzing data.
Math skills using statistics, calculus, and linear algebra to develop models and analyze data.
Problem-solving skills to figure out solutions to problems through use of statistics and math.
Career Outlook and Pay
The career outlook for biostatisticians is excellent, with a 31% expected growth over the next 10 years (2021-2031). This growth is much faster than average of all occupations, which is 5 percent. The excellent job growth in this important field is contributed in part to their many contributions to the medical field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for statisticians was $95,570 in May 2021. BLS.gov reports that the lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $157,300. A masters in biostatistics salary would be considered a good one, and earning a biostatistician degree will pay off as you enter employment as a biostatistician. If you become a biostatistician you can count on an average salary that is above the average for all occupations.
As of May 2021, the top paying biostatistician jobs were in research and development in physical, engineering and life sciences, government agencies, insurance, healthcare, and education.
The BLS.gov reports the states with the most jobs for biostatisticians are: Maryland, California, Massachusetts, California, and North Carolina.
In addition to working for educational services and private finance companies, many biostatisticians work to conduct statistical analyses for specialized government departments such as the Bureau of Economic Analysis or the Census Bureau.
What do biostatisticians do in different areas of employment
Biostatisticians working in colleges and universities may study theoretical or abstract concepts in different fields. They work to identify, research, and resolve issues in mathematics and explore mathematical or statistical theories to increase knowledge and understanding about the field. They may teach students working towards further education in getting their master’s degree.
Biostatisticians working in government develop surveys and collect and analyze data on a variety of topics, that can include things like employment, food production, public health, environmental science and use of energy. These data help in the policy proposals and decisions that affect the public and public health. They may work on a research team and share their statistical expertise and gather data with collaborating teammates.
Biostatisticians or biometricians work in healthcare in pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations and hospitals. They work to design studies to test drugs, conduct clinical trials, and may also help identify the sources of outbreaks of illnesses in humans and animals. Those in public health may with to get their MPH with a concentration in biostatistics. These professionals use statistical theory to implement targeted statistical studies. They work with health data and data management.
Biostatisticians design experiments for product testing and development. They work in research and development, designing experiments to collect data for use in developing products and marketing strategy. They also work to improve research efforts.
Biostatistician requirements will vary depending on where you work and what responsibilities you have. For example if working in public health, you may also need a MPH and some medical knowledge.
What are the professional organizations for Biostatisticians?
Professional organizations support the profession through furthering education, networking opportunities, lobbying efforts, and providing important career information to those considering a career as a biostatistician. Check out these professional organizations for Biostatisticians including public health.
American Statistical Association
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
International Biometric Society
American Public Health Association
A career as a biostatistician may sound complex to some, but individuals who love performing research, analyzing things and working with lots of numbers and statistics find this career exciting and extremely rewarding. Biostatisticians are highly-regarded professionals but are especially valuable in the medical industry.
MPH staff, 2023
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