How To Become A Statistician In Australia: A Complete Guide

Do you like numbers and have an analytical mind? If so, a career as a Statistician might be perfect for you.

Statisticians apply their vast knowledge and statistical theory to collect and analyse large data sets and numbers. They use the information in various ways to assist in decision-making and policy formation in health, education, business, etc.

To work as a Statistician in Australia, you need a university-level degree in mathematics or statistics. A relevant postgraduate qualification and work experience can help boost your career prospects.

Discover in this blog the required qualifications, courses, skills, daily duties, average salary, job opportunities, work settings, and much more to make an informed career decision.

1. What Are Statisticians?

Statisticians are professionals with numeracy skills and a strong understanding of computing software.

They develop and apply statistical theory and methods to gather, interpret and analyse numerical data. It helps in decision-making related to medicine, business, science, education, biology, agriculture, and economics.

2. What Does A Statistician Do?

The duties of a statistician may regularly differ based on the institution and industry wherein they operate. 

They may serve commercial or public organisations, such as insurance firms, financial institutions, and research firms, performing the following core duties and tasks:

• Determine what needs to be measured and the type of information to be collected.

• Determine the sample size to test and the process of its selection

• Research and decide the most suitable method of information collection, such as by mail, survey interviews (face-to-face or telephone), experiments, or creating associated measurement tools.

• Collect large data sets and numbers

• Analyse and interpret statistical data

• Produce useful statistics that highlight specific patterns or trends for phenomena such as pollution, disease outbreaks, accidents, and economic trends

• Find specific patterns and trends within data sets of statistics.

• Liaise with investors to identify their needs

• Record statistical data for future comparison and reference

• Make recommendations to bodies and companies.

• Display data in a graphical format (table, chart, or graph) and present it in an easily understandable way to managers, team members, and investors

• Ensure that the data collected is updated and relevant

• Ensure the data collection, analysis methodology, and statistical methods are efficient, precise, and valid.

• Supervise technicians while amassing and compiling data

• Use numerical analysis and perform computations to develop algorithms and mathematical models.

• Provide suggestions and strategic advice to businesses and organisations

3. Statistician Skills

Technical Skills

• Aptitude for research and analysis

• Able to identify trends and trends

• Excellent maths skills, including linear algebra, probability, and calculus

• Technical skills to work with computer systems and specialised tools and technologies

• Proficiency in programming languages, especially R, SAS, Python, Java, Perl, C/C++, and databases such as cloud computing and NoSQL

• Knowledge of data mining, cleaning, and visualisation

• Expertise in theoretical and applied statistics 

Soft Skills

• Good problem-solving abilities

• Excellent communication abilities 

• Can work in teams and alone

• Leadership and Analytical qualities 

• Great communicator

• Quick-thinking 

• Flexible and adaptable to meet project deadlines

• Innovative

• Creative

• Critical-thinking skills

• Able to work efficiently under pressure 

4. Qualifications To Work As A Statistician In Australia

To work in this role, you usually need the following qualifications:

• Complete your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in one or more subjects such as English, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology 

• Consider completing a university qualification in statistics, mathematics, or econometrics like a Bachelor of Statistics/ Bachelor of Science (Statistics)/ Bachelor of Science (Statistics and Mathematics). Graduates from different disciplines can apply for this role by undertaking a Master of Applied Statistics/ a Master of Data Science.

• Apply for membership in the Statistical Society of Australia

• Though it is not necessary to become Registered to work in this role, accreditation shows your professional competence and makes you more employable.

• Building skills and experience as a Statistician and gaining specialisation in a specific area are highly desirable.

5. What Subjects Do You Need To Study To Become A Statistician?

To become a statistician, you must pursue university studies in mathematics, econometrics, or statistics. 

The areas of study can be mathematics, arts, business, actuarial studies, commerce, economics, science, or computer science.

6. Steps To Become A Statistician In Australia

Step 1: Obtain An Undergraduate Degree

Start by completing an undergraduate bachelor's qualification in statistics that gives you the basic knowledge of applied and theoretical statistics, mathematical modelling, computing, and operations research. 

It also incorporates practical methods for analysis, data-driven decision-making, and modelling. Consider undertaking a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics. It helps build a solid foundation of statistical knowledge.

It teaches you how to use mathematical theory and techniques, and statistics in real-world scenarios in various areas, such as medicine, finance, science, business, and industry.

Studying a statistics major provides you with complex statistical techniques and concepts to analyse real-world data using theoretical, computational, and empirical methods.

Studying a major in Mathematics and Statistics will help me learn powerful problem-solving and analytical skills to design algorithms for start-ups. 

Further, it helps to optimise industry processes, assists governments in making critical decisions and advances medical care through data science.

The following courses give me a fundamental and in-depth understanding of statistics and statistical methodology and their application. They also prepare me for various government, industry, and research careers.

• Undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Mathematics & Statistics) – University of Southern Queensland

• Bachelor of Mathematics (Statistics) – QUT University

• Undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) – University of Western Australia

• Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) – The University of Melbourne

• Undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Statistics) – The University of Southern Queensland

Step 2: Gain Work Exposure Through Internships

Gaining work experience is necessary to get a job as a statistician. An internship is good for gaining real-world experience, college credit, and industry connections.

Additionally, you can participate in data contests to work with real-world data such as Kaggle, KDnuggets, and DrivenData. 

Such competitions present challenges you face while working in the role and develop the job skills to help overcome these challenges and perform the duties effectively.

Furthermore, internships and data contests also boost your resume and improve your employability for an entry-level position.

Step 3: Obtain A Master's Degree

Most professional statisticians hold a Master's or Doctorate in applied statistics or mathematics. 

Having an advanced degree in statistics gives you a competitive edge over those who only have an undergraduate degree and improves your chances of qualifying for more roles.

The Master of Statistics opens up numerous career opportunities in the following areas:

• Information technology 

• Banking 

• Government 

• Education 

• Research 

• Insurance and investment 

• Oceanography 

• Meteorology 

• Computing 

• Environmental modelling

While a doctorate helps teach statistics at a high education level, a master's degree enables you to secure a professional role at a reputable private and government company.

Recommended courses:

• Master of Applied Statistics - The Macquarie University

• Master of Statistics - Australian National University

• Master of Statistics - UNSW Sydney

• Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) - The University of Melbourne

Step 4: Consider Specialisation

Though you can get started in this profession with just an undergraduate qualification, to stand out to a prospective employer, you need to show your expertise and specialisation.

Specialising in in-demand sectors such as finance, the government, pharmaceuticals, marketing, economics, demography, product development, and academia can help you pursue a specialist and lucrative position in this profession.

Industry Bodies:

Statistical Society of Australia

7. How To Become A Statistician Without A Degree?

You need at least an undergraduate qualification to work as a Statistician in Australia. 

If you are in high school, you can take courses that focus on numbers and maths. Participate in maths competitions held online and at the school level. Go one step further and study courses focusing on maths in senior school.

After you complete your Year 12, look for opportunities to gain work experience in business, statistics, or finance. It will give you an idea of whether this is the right career.

8. How To Become A Sports Statistician In Australia?

Sports Statisticians examine data concerning sporting events related to major sports such as baseball, soccer, football, or basketball.

They record live data, track player data, evaluate roster picks, and make winning predictions. It is an ideal career for those who love sports and want to work with statistics and probability.

To become a Sports Statistician, you must have personal qualities and technical competencies:

• Passionate about sports 

• Enjoy watching, tracking, and analysing sports events in real-time

• Mathematically minded

• People skills

• Professional networking skills

• Detail-oriented

• Analytical 

• Strategic problem-solver

• Good Communicator

Able to use modern statistical technologies and tools such as Python, R, SAS/STAT, Tableau, and Tableau to solve complex issues.

The Most Common Work Areas For Sports Statisticians

Sports Statisticians work at sports data organisations, television networks, universities, and colleges as coaching staff for professional sports teams.

Steps To Becoming a Full-time Sports Statistician

• Step 1: Play a sport that interests you at high school/ collegiate/ as an extracurricular to gain a statistical understanding

• Step 2: Undertake undergraduate sports statistician courses like a bachelor's in statistics. You can even consider programs in mathematics, economics, or computer science. Taking statistics, calculus, computer programming, and probability classes will create a strong base for your education.

• Step 3: As the sports industry is highly competitive, you need to gain entry-level job experience and expand your professional network to get to this position. Start with entry-level jobs such as a Referee, Scorekeeper, or paid or unpaid internship in the sports industry within the statistics field. It gives you an understanding of how the sports industry works and how to use statistics to make industry connections.

Most professional organisations seek candidates holding a Master's degree in statistics, economics, and other related fields. 

A Master's degree in Statistics gives you an in-depth look into advanced statistical theory, programming, and technology. It develops real-world problem-solving, networking, communication, and leadership skills.

It prepares you for several lucrative roles within the field, such as:

• Sports Statistician

• Sports Writer

• Director of Sports Analytics

• Scout

• Regional Statistician

• Remote Sports Statistician

• Sports Statistical Analyst

9. The Most Common Statistician Jobs In Australia

Qualified statisticians and mathematicians are in demand in government, business, and research organisations. 

Here are some statistician jobs and related careers that involve the use of mathematical or statistics principles:

• Statistical mathematician

• Consultant

• Economist

• Arithmetician

• Risk evaluator

10. Working Conditions For A Statistician

Statisticians usually work in offices for an organisation or a company. Though most work as full-time employees, some are hired as short-term contractors.

They usually work regular business hours but may need to work overtime when working to tight deadlines on large projects. Their schedule mostly depends on the work location and agreement with management.

Statisticians may work alone or in a project team comprising specialists from several fields. These include scientists, research specialists, computer programmers, and clerical and computing staff involved in collecting and analysing data.

They may also need to travel to visit their clients and stakeholders, conduct fieldwork, or participate in governmental, regional, and international workshops.

11. What Tools And Technologies Do Statisticians Use?

Statisticians use computers to plan the initial survey design, interpret it and present their findings. 

They often use specialised programs to sort and manipulate the data to identify patterns and trends for understanding the correlation between varying factors.

12. Employment Opportunities For A Statistician

Statisticians can work in various fields within the private and public sectors. 

The major recruiters are:

• Consultants in financial services organisations 

• Technology firms

• Pharmaceutical companies or medical facilities (clinical and research)

• Non-government organisations and research institutes

• Major corporations and large industries

• Opportunities also exist in federal government departments, like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Qualified Graduates can also find work with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the Queensland Office of Gaming Regulation, the Queensland Treasury, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

13. Areas Of Specialisation

Experienced Statisticians can consider further training to advance their career in supervisory and higher management roles.

They can also gain knowledge in epidemiology, geostatistics, biostatistics, and financial statistics when pursuing the following:

• Statistician

• Biostatistician 

• Epidemiologist

• Mathematical Statistician 

• Applied Statistician

With a statistician qualification and skills, you can also explore other careers, such as:

• Financial analyst

• Risk analyst 

• Business systems analyst 

• Systems analyst

• Biostatistician

• Data analyst

• Psychological statistician

• Statistical analyst

• Finance consultant

• Business analyst

• Psychometrician

14. How Much Does A Statistician Earn In Australia?

According to Pay Scale, the average statistician salary in Australia is AU$ 80,076 per year. The average sports statistician's salary is AU$ 64k per year.

Factors that may influence their income are:

• Experience

• Skills and Expertise

• Qualification

• Location

• Industry in which the individual works

Statisticians with expertise and experience receive a higher income. Further, studying computer science, data analysis, machine learning, and Python computer language may help earn a higher income.

Average Annual Statistician's Salary Based on Experience:

• Early career Statisticians (1-4 years of experience): AU$75,515 

• Mid-career Statisticians (5-9 years of experience): AU$77,587 

• Experienced Statisticians (10-19 years of experience): AU$116,997 

• Highly Experienced Statisticians (20+ years of experience): AU$113,500

Statistician's Salary Based on Work Location:

• Statistician salary Sydney, NSW: $82,758 per year

• Melbourne, VIC: $161,426 per year

• Townsville, QLD: $118,255 per year

• Canberra, ACT: $116,568 per year

• Herston, QLD: $103,923 per year

15. How Hard Is It To Become A Statistician?

To become a Statistician, you generally need to invest 4 to 6 years in education and learning. It includes four years of a bachelor's degree and two years of master's qualification, depending on your chosen program.

To work in research institutions, you should continue studying for 4 to 5 years for a doctorate in this field.

Suppose you are passionate about helping organisations make important decisions and solve real-world problems. In that case, you will find it easy to realise your career goals. 

16. Job Prospects Of A Statistician

Statistics play a crucial role in many aspects of society, such as business, government, and industry. It is also vital in the working of several academic disciplines, that includes education, medicine, psychology, engineering, physics, and sociology.

The increasing application of statistics in several areas of our lives has made it more recognised than ever in Australia. Currently, the country is facing a shortage of professional statisticians across various industries in Australia.

The growing need for statisticians indicates numerous opportunities in diverse sectors. These include research, academia, government, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Moreover, the government employ a substantial number of statisticians providing the most job prospects for graduates. Many professionals are present in The Australian Capital Territory.

To benefit from this growth, aspirants must stay updated on all aspects of data analysis with the latest technologies.

17. Conclusion

If you wish to graduate with substantial career prospects and diverse career paths, becoming a statistician is the perfect profession.

Collaborating with other statisticians that bring their ideas on different topics makes it an enriching experience.

We hope the above information and guidance have given you direction on how to get started in a Statistician career.

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