statistician
Snapshot
Are you fascinated by data and uncovering hidden trends? As a statistician, you’ll be at the forefront of transforming raw information into actionable insights, shaping decisions across diverse fields like healthcare, finance, and business.
Statisticians are analytical experts who work with quantitative data to identify patterns, draw conclusions, and provide evidence-based recommendations. Your daily tasks might involve designing studies, collecting and cleaning data, applying statistical methods, and communicating your findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. This role requires a strong understanding of statistical theory and the ability to translate complex analyses into clear, practical advice.
- • Collecting, tabulating, and analysing data from various sources.
- • Designing and conducting statistical studies to address specific research questions.
- • Interpreting statistical results and identifying meaningful trends and patterns.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands.
Longest-running shortage: Luxembourg, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
Explore More
Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could statistician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Future Outlook for statistician
The outlook for statistician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could statistician change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could statistician change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
- manage intellectual property rights
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- identify statistical patterns
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- manage open publications
Tasks most exposed to automation
- gather data
- process data
- synthesise information
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Digital Technology
A typical day as a statistician
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday manage intellectual property rights
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate open source software
15 15:30 · Late afternoon apply scientific methods
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply statistical analysis techniques
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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data quality assessment
The process of revealing data issues using quality indicators, measures and metrics in order to plan data cleansing and data enrichment strategies according to data quality criteria.
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statistical modeling techniques
The approaches for employing statistical analysis to dataset within the data science field. It seeks to elaborate reality predictions through statistical models and explicit assumptions.
- data ethics
- data science
- mathematical modelling
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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conduct quantitative research
Execute a systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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gather data
Extract exportable data from multiple sources.
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synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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identify statistical patterns
Analyse statistical data in order to find patterns and trends in the data or between variables.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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perform data analysis
Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how statistician aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does statistician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of industries employ statisticians?
- Statisticians are in demand across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare (clinical trials, epidemiology), finance (risk assessment, fraud detection), business (market research, data analytics), government (census data, policy evaluation), and academia (research and teaching).
- What skills are most important for a statistician?
- Beyond a strong foundation in statistical theory, crucial skills include data analysis and manipulation, programming (e.g., R, Python), communication (clearly explaining complex findings), problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Is this a good career path for someone changing careers from a non-technical background?
- While a strong mathematical background is beneficial, career changers with analytical skills and a willingness to learn can transition into statistics. Focusing on developing programming skills and gaining experience with data analysis tools can be a great starting point. Consider targeted courses or certifications to build your knowledge base.
- Statistician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 10 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece and 2 more. 4 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Statistician — what does it pay in the United States?
- $103,300 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $49,730 to $140,670. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.