Statistician Salary Guide 2025: Median $105,650, High Demand and 8.5% Job Growth
The median statistician earns $105,650 per year, or about $51 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data. That's 60% higher than the median across all occupations ($65,470). The top 10% of statisticians make $174,050 or more, while entry-level positions start around $64,000. That wide range reflects differences in industry, education, and location.
How much Statisticians earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $115,700 for statisticians. Half of all workers earn between $81,090 (25th percentile) and $140,840 (75th percentile). The typical range from the 10th percentile to the 90th percentile runs from $64,000 to $174,050.
Earnings vary by industry. Statisticians in research and development ($130,520), insurance ($126,080), and scientific consulting ($123,680) tend to earn more than those in state government ($83,470) or colleges and universities ($80,170).
- National median salary: $105,650
- Mean annual wage: $115,700 ($51/hour)
- 10th–90th percentile range: $64,000 – $174,050
- Top-paying sector: Scientific R&D ($130,520 mean)
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The District of Columbia pays the highest average wage for statisticians at $140,670, followed by New York ($136,020), California ($135,960), Maryland ($132,620), and Illinois ($119,760).
On the lower end, Mississippi ($64,670), South Carolina ($65,450), and Missouri ($66,330) offer the lowest mean salaries. The difference between the top and bottom states is more than $76,000.
How to become a Statistician
Most statistician jobs require at least a master's degree in statistics, mathematics, or a related field. A bachelor's degree may qualify you for some assistant roles, but career advancement typically demands graduate education.
Many universities offer standalone master's programs in statistics or data science. Coursework includes probability theory, regression analysis, experimental design, and statistical computing (R, Python, SAS). Internships are a strong plus.
Some positions, especially in government, may require specific coursework or a background check. Professional certification is not mandatory but can signal competence: the American Statistical Association offers the Accredited Professional Statistician (PStat) credential for those with a master's degree and qualifying experience.
- Master's degree in statistics or related field is typical
- Bachelor's degree sufficient for entry-level assistant roles
- Key skills: R, Python, SAS, regression, experimental design
- Optional ASA PStat certification may boost candidacy
Job outlook
Employment of statisticians is projected to grow 8.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,000 job openings per year over the decade, largely due to expanding data collection and the need to analyze it for business decisions, scientific research, and public policy.
There are currently about 29,030 statisticians employed in the U.S. The growth rate is driven by industries like healthcare, tech, and finance, which increasingly rely on data-driven decision making. Statisticians with machine learning or big-data skills have an edge.
Frequently asked questions
Do statisticians make good money?
Yes. The median statistician salary of $105,650 is well above the national median. The top 10% earn over $174,000.
What degree do you need to be a statistician?
Most jobs require a master's degree in statistics or a related quantitative field. A bachelor's may suffice for some entry-level roles.
Is statistics a growing field?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, adding about 2,000 annual openings.
Which state pays statisticians the most?
The District of Columbia has the highest mean salary at $140,670, followed by New York ($136,020) and California ($135,960).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Statisticians data.