Biostatisticians

SOC code 15-2041 · O*NET-SOC 15-2041.01 · Extensive preparation needed · Computer and IT

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Biostatisticians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$105,650

a year

Hourly

$50.79

per hour

10th$64,000Median$105,65090th$174,050

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$115,700

$55.63 per hour

Middle 50%

$82,220 – $141,490

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$64,000 – $174,050

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

29,030

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Statisticians”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $64,000; $30.77/hr
25th percentile: $82,220; $39.53/hr
Median percentile: $105,650; $50.79/hr
75th percentile: $141,490; $68.03/hr
90th percentile: $174,050; $83.68/hr

What does a biostatistician do?

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences, and social sciences.
Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.

How to become a biostatistician

Most people in this role hold master's degree — 58% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Master's Degree58%
Doctoral Degree29%
Bachelor's Degree13%

Common questions

How much does a biostatistician earn?

The national median is $105,650 a year. The full range runs from $64,000 at the 10th percentile to $174,050 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a biostatistician without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Mathematics4.6/5
Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Science4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Learning4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Writing3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Mathematics4.7/5
English Language3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.7/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.0/5
Biology2.9/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
Administration and Management2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.