Statistician

As a statistician, you may design experiments, surveys and other studies, advise on how data should be collected, and work with existing datasets. You'll use statistical methods and software to process and analyse quantitative data, assess its quality and limitations, and investigate patterns and relationships. You'll interpret and communicate your findings to help organisations make evidence-based decisions.

Statisticians often work in teams with professionals from other disciplines. You can work in a range of sectors, including:

• education
• the environment
• finance
• forensics
• government
• health
• market research
• sport
• transportation.

What does a statistician do?

As a statistician, you'll need to:

• work with clients, colleagues or other stakeholders to understand the questions they need to answer and determine what data is required
• design experiments, trials, surveys or other studies and advise on appropriate methods of data collection and sampling
• source, prepare and manage data, including working with existing datasets, and ensure data is handled appropriately and securely
• use statistical methods and software to analyse data and develop appropriate models
• check and assess data quality, accuracy and reliability, and identify potential sources of bias
• interpret statistical results and draw evidence-based conclusions
• create tables, charts and other visualisations to communicate findings clearly
• present and explain findings to colleagues, clients, senior managers or other stakeholders and advise on their implications
• document statistical methods and results, produce reports and, where appropriate, articles or other publications
• work with specialists from other disciplines and contribute to research and analytical projects.

Depending on the sector you work in, you could be involved in activities such as:

• forecasting population, workforce or demand trends to support public services and planning
• designing and analysing clinical trials or other health research
• monitoring and modelling patterns in disease or public health data
• analysing environmental data, such as air quality, climate or pollution levels
• analysing financial, insurance or pension data to assess trends and risk
• designing experiments and analysing data to improve products, services or manufacturing processes.

Statistician salaries

• Starting salaries for statisticians are typically around £28,000 to £35,000, although salaries vary considerably depending on the sector, employer and location.
• With experience, statisticians can typically earn around £35,000 to £50,000.
• Senior and highly experienced statisticians can earn around £50,000 to £65,000 or more. Salaries can be higher in some specialist, management and commercial roles, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and finance.

Government statistician salaries depend on Civil Service grade and department. Across the Civil Service, median salaries in 2026 are £32,140 at executive officer level, £43,930 at higher executive officer/senior executive officer level and £65,830 at Grades 7 and 6. These figures apply to all Civil Service staff at these grades, rather than statisticians specifically. London salaries are typically higher.

Medical statisticians working in universities, research organisations and the NHS may have salaries broadly within these ranges, while pharmaceutical and other commercial employers may offer higher salaries for experienced or specialist roles.

Salaries vary depending on the sector you work in, the size and type of employer, your location, qualifications, experience and level of responsibility.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does a statistician work?

You'll typically work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, during normal office hours. Flexible working arrangements are common, although you may occasionally need to work longer hours to meet project deadlines.

Part-time work is possible, and hybrid working is available with some employers. Remote working may also be possible, depending on the role and organisation. Career breaks may also be possible.

How do you become a statistician?

Employers typically look for graduates with a degree that includes a strong statistical or quantitative element. Relevant subjects include:

• data science
• economics
• geography
• mathematics
• psychology
• statistics.

The Royal Statistical Society (RSS) accredits a range of undergraduate and Masters degrees in statistics and related subjects. Completing an accredited course can support progression to Graduate Statistician (GradStat) status, although an accredited degree isn't necessarily required. You may also be eligible if you have a degree with substantial statistical content, or relevant statistical training and professional experience that meets RSS requirements.

Although postgraduate study isn't essential for most statistician roles, an MSc or PhD may be required or strongly preferred for specialist roles in medical statistics, biostatistics, clinical trials and the pharmaceutical industry. Search for postgraduate courses in statistics.

To become a government statistician and join the Government Statistician Group (GSG), you must meet its professional entry requirements. Routes include a:

• first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject containing taught statistical content (a 2:1 is required for Fast Stream applications and a 2:2 for other applications)
• Masters or PhD containing formal statistical training
• Level 6 data scientist degree apprenticeship, or a Level 4 data analyst apprenticeship combined with the required government statistical or data analysis experience and continuing professional development (CPD)
• relevant statistical or data science experience, supported by at least three years' evidence of CPD.

Successful applicants are assessed against the GSG professional requirements as part of the recruitment process. Find out how to join the GSG.

You can also apply through the Government Statistical Service Fast Stream, an accelerated development programme for graduates interested in statistical leadership roles across government.

What key skills do statisticians need?

You'll need:

• statistical and mathematical skills - to understand statistical concepts and choose appropriate methods for analysing data
• analytical and problem-solving skills - to investigate data, identify patterns and relationships, test assumptions and draw evidence-based conclusions
• statistical computing skills - to use statistical software, programming languages and other analytical tools to manage, analyse and model data
• the ability to check data quality - to make sure data is accurate, complete, reliable and suitable for analysis
• communication and data visualisation skills - to explain statistical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences using reports, presentations, charts and other visualisations
• statistical judgement - to interpret results in context, understand uncertainty and limitations, and decide what conclusions can be drawn from the evidence
• the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams - to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, policymakers, data specialists and other professionals on statistical projects.

Do you need statistical work experience?

Relevant work experience can help you apply statistical methods to real-world data and develop the technical and communication skills employers look for. Look for summer internships, industrial placements or placement years in areas such as government, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and research, as well as other industries that employ statisticians.

The Government Statistical Service (GSS) offers summer and sandwich placements, giving students the opportunity to gain experience of statistical work in government.

You can also build your knowledge of the profession and make contacts by attending careers events, talks and networking opportunities offered by organisations such as the RSS and PSI.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs statisticians?

The UK government is a major employer of statisticians, with opportunities across central and local government, government agencies and other public bodies. Government statisticians work in areas including health, transport, the economy, policing and the environment.

Other employers of statisticians include:

• banks, investment companies and insurance firms
• charities and non-governmental organisations
• contract research organisations (CROs)
• manufacturing and other commercial organisations
• market research and consultancy firms
• pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• regulatory bodies
• research institutes and clinical trials units
• technology and data companies
• the NHS and other healthcare organisations
• universities and other higher education institutions.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Civil Service Jobs - for government statistical and analytical roles.
• Jobs.ac.uk - for statistics, research and academic roles in universities and research organisations.
• Royal Statistical Society (RSS) Jobs Board - for specialist statistics and data roles.

Look for health and pharmaceutical statistician job vacancies at:

• NHS Jobs
• PharmaJobber
• PSI

Vacancies are also handled by specialist recruitment agencies, such as Datatech Analytics.

Where can a career as a statistician lead?

Most statisticians develop their skills through a combination of on-the-job training and continuing professional development (CPD). As you gain experience, you can take on more complex analytical work, specialise in a particular area or progress into senior, technical or management roles.

Professional bodies such as the RSS and PSI offer training, events and other development opportunities. You may also choose to take a postgraduate qualification to deepen your expertise or move into a specialist area of statistics.

In government, statisticians can progress from statistical officer to higher and senior statistical officer roles, taking on greater responsibility for statistical production, analytical projects and team management. More experienced statisticians can progress to principal statistician roles at Grades 7 and 6, leading statistical teams or programmes and developing expertise in particular areas. Government Statistical Service Fast Streamers work towards Grade 7 statistician level through an accelerated development programme.

In sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research and industry, you may progress into senior or principal statistician roles, become a technical specialist or move into management and leadership. Opportunities to work internationally can also arise, particularly with multinational pharmaceutical and research organisations.

With experience, you may also be able to move between sectors or into related areas such as data science, consultancy, project management or regulatory work.

With sufficient professional experience, you can apply for Chartered Statistician (CStat) status through the RSS. Applicants typically need at least five years' professional experience in a statistical or data science role.