Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to the design, analysis, and interpretation of biological and health research data. They design clinical trials, develop statistical models for epidemiological studies, and ensure data integrity for FDA regulatory submissions. The BLS reports a median salary of $104,860 with 30% projected growth through 2032, fueled by the expansion of pharmaceutical research, precision medicine, and public health data science.

A Day in the Life

A typical day starts by reviewing enrollment data for an ongoing Phase III clinical trial and running interim safety analyses. The biostatistician meets with the study's principal investigator to discuss randomization results and endpoint definitions. After lunch, they write SAS or R code to build a survival analysis model, validate datasets against the data management plan, and prepare tables and figures for an FDA submission package. The day ends with reviewing a statistical analysis plan draft.

Key Stats

Education

Master's Degree

Salary Range

Entry: $72,000

Median: $104,860

Senior: $155,000

Job Growth

30%Rapidly Growing

Required Skills

Statistical ModelingSAS/R ProgrammingClinical Trial DesignData AnalysisRegulatory Knowledge