How to Become a Statistician: Career, Skills, and Jobs

published on
Jul 2, 2024
4 Min REad
Table of Content

Are you fascinated by numbers and enjoy uncovering patterns and insights? Have you ever wondered how statistical analysis has the power to drive decisions in different industries? If so, then a career in statistics might be the perfect fit for you.

In today's data-driven world, statisticians are in high demand across a wide range of fields, playing a crucial role in shaping our understanding of complex information. In this article, we will take you through the steps to becoming a statistician in India and the job roles you can explore.

 

Who is a Statistician?

A statistician is a professional who collects and analyses data to solve problems, make informed decisions, and provide insights. They use statistical methods and techniques to interpret the data and draw meaningful conclusions. Statistics plays a crucial role in various industries as it helps organisations make data-driven decisions, identify trends, forecast outcomes, and measure performance.

Skills Required For a Statistician

To become a successful statistician, you will need both technical and non-technical skills.

  • Strong foundation in mathematics, probability theory, statistical modelling, and data analysis techniques.
  • Proficiency with statistical software such as R or Python
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving abilities

Job Roles For Statisticians

As a statistician, you can explore various job roles in different industries. Here are some diverse job roles available for statisticians in India:

  • Data Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Econometrician
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Environmental Statistician
  • Biostatistician
  • Actuary
  • Statistical Consultant
  • Research Scientist

Statistician Salary Structures

The salary of a statistician is influenced by factors such as experience level, industry, and location. Here are the salary expectations for statisticians at different levels:

  • Entry-level statisticians earn ₹3-6 lakh per annum. 
  • Mid-level statisticians can earn between ₹6-12 lakh per annum.
  • Senior statisticians earn upwards of ₹15 lakh per annum or more.

Table: Average Salaries of Different Job Roles in Statistics

Job Role

Average Salary (per annum)

Data Analyst

4-7 lakhs

Market Research Analyst

3-5 lakhs

Risk Analyst

6-10 lakhs

Econometrician

8-12 lakhs

Quality Control Analyst

2-5 lakhs

Environmental Statistician

4-8 lakhs

Biostatistician

6-10 lakhs

Actuary

8-15 lakhs

Statistical Consultant

5-8 lakhs

Research Scientist

6-12 lakhs

Education and Certification to Become a Statistician

To become a statistician, you need to fulfil certain educational requirements. Typically, a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or a related field is the starting point. However, for more advanced roles, a postgraduate degree is often required.

Here are a few degree courses that can help you build a strong foundation in statistics:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Statistics

Duration: 3 years

Eligibility: Class 12 with Mathematics as a subject

Fees: INR 20,000–2 lakhs per annum

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Statistics

Duration: 3 years

Eligibility: Class 12 with Mathematics as a subject

Fees: INR 15,000–1.5 lakhs per annum

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Statistics

Duration: 2 years

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Statistics or related field

Fees: INR 15,000–65,000 per annum

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Statistics

Duration: 2 years

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in Statistics or related field

Fees: INR 15,000 per annum

Certification options can also enhance your career prospects as a statistician. Some popular certification courses include:

  • SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst
  • R Programming Certification
  • Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
  • Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Certified Big Data Analyst

Upskilling Opportunities for Statisticians

Continuously upskilling yourself in statistics can greatly improve your career prospects as a statistician. Here are some opportunities to enhance your skills. 

  • Probability and Statistics: Learn and apply statistical concepts through online courses, focusing on topics such as probability, sampling, and hypothesis testing.
  • Data Visualisation: Develop skills in visualising data effectively to communicate insights clearly.
  • Machine Learning for Statisticians: Explore the intersection of machine learning and statistics to gain a deeper understanding of predictive modelling techniques.
  • Financial Statistics: Specialise in using statistical methods for financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies.
  • Healthcare Analytics: Gain expertise in utilising statistical tools to analyse healthcare data and improve patient outcomes.
  • Social Research Methods: Develop advanced skills in designing surveys, conducting experiments, and analysing social science data.

 

Career Paths and Industry Growth

After gaining several years of experience as a statistician, various career paths become available to you, such as becoming a director or head of data science within an organisation.

Here are a few areas where statisticians are in demand:

  • Government agencies: Statisticians play crucial roles in policy development, population studies, census analysis, and economic research.
  • Healthcare industry: Statisticians work on clinical trials, health outcome assessments, and epidemiological studies.
  • Financial services companies: Statisticians work on risk assessment, fraud detection, algorithmic trading models, and insurance analysis.
  • Educational institutions: Statisticians are hired for research projects or teaching positions.

The statistics industry in India is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making across sectors. With advancements in technology and an abundance of data available today, there are ample growth opportunities for aspiring statisticians.

 

Become a Statistician Now!

In conclusion, becoming a statistician can open up a world of opportunities across various industries in India. By acquiring the right education and certifications, you can enhance your skills and gain a competitive edge.

If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey, consider WIZR for guidance on education options and financing support. With WIZR's expertise and resources at your disposal, you can confidently take the first step towards a successful career in statistics.

 

FAQs

1. Can I move to statistics after working in a different field?

Yes! Many professionals successfully transition into statistics from different fields by acquiring relevant qualifications and upskilling through online courses or specialisation programmes.

2. Do I need to have commerce in class 12 to be a statistician?

No, having a commerce degree is not necessary to become a statistician. A strong foundation in mathematics or statistics is more important for pursuing a career in this field.

3. Can statisticians work as freelancers?

Yes, statisticians can work as freelancers by offering their expertise in statistical analysis and data interpretation projects.

4. How is a statistician different from a data analyst?

While there may be some overlap between the two roles, statisticians primarily focus on designing experiments, collecting and analysing data, and drawing conclusions. Data analysts primarily work with data to extract insights and make data-driven recommendations.

5. Who earns more: statisticians or data scientists?

Both professions offer competitive salaries, but data scientists often command higher remuneration due to their expertise in advanced analytics and machine learning.

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