JOB REPORT / 15-2041 · 44 TASKS

Statisticians.

Can AI do the work of Statisticians?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

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How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies
Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis…
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Statisticians work. It covers the 44 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

44 of 44 tasks reviewed

We went through all 44 core tasks in this job, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Statisticians actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
AI DOES
Runs power calculations, suggests formulas, and checks math across scenarios
YOU DO
Set the clinically meaningful effect size and validate every assumption
TASK 02
Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.
AI DOES
Drafts and debugs R, Python, or SAS code for common statistical analyses
YOU DO
Choose the right statistical approach and verify it fits the biology and study design
TASK 03
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
AI DOES
Runs tests, flags patterns, and summarizes data relationships
YOU DO
Decide which differences are meaningful and worth acting on
TASK 04
Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
AI DOES
Runs statistical models, summarizes results, and highlights key findings automatically
YOU DO
Apply domain knowledge to judge whether conclusions are valid and meaningful
TASK 05
Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.
AI DOES
Drafts table shells, generates summary statistics code, and formats output for reports
YOU DO
Verify results meet regulatory standards and interpret findings in the right clinical context
TASK 06
Develop software applications or programming for statistical modeling and graphic analysis.
AI DOES
Generates code drafts, suggests statistical functions, and auto-completes scripts
YOU DO
Choose the right model for your data and interpret what the outputs actually mean
TASK 07
Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.
AI DOES
Generates model code, fits parameters to data, and runs simulations faster than manual methods
YOU DO
Judge which model fits the biology, catch bad assumptions, and explain findings to decision-makers
TASK 08
Analyze archival data, such as birth, death, and disease records.
AI DOES
Cleans messy records, flags patterns, and runs descriptive statistics automatically
YOU DO
Choose the right statistical model and judge what the patterns actually mean for public health
TASK 09
Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
AI DOES
Scans code and outputs for common errors, suggests diagnostic tests, and explains method trade-offs
YOU DO
Apply domain knowledge and scientific judgment to decide if a method truly fits the problem
TASK 10
Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
AI DOES
Suggests candidate statistical methods and flags potential mismatches based on described data and goals
YOU DO
Judge whether the method truly fits the real-world context, data quirks, and what the researcher actually needs
TASK 11
Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
AI DOES
Scans datasets for missing values, duplicates, outliers, and formatting issues, and suggests cleaning steps
YOU DO
Decide how to treat tricky data problems and choose weighting methods that fit the study goals
TASK 12
Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
AI DOES
Generates analysis code, flags model fit issues, and summarizes output
YOU DO
Choose the right statistical approach for the study design and explain what results mean clinically
TASK 13
Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.
AI DOES
Suggests candidate statistical tests, checks for common design flaws, and drafts analysis plan sections
YOU DO
Judge whether assumptions hold, weigh regulatory requirements, and own the final recommendation
TASK 14
Evaluate sources of information to determine any limitations, in terms of reliability or usability.
AI DOES
Flags missing data, checks metadata, summarizes source documentation, and highlights known dataset limitations
YOU DO
Apply domain knowledge to judge whether a source's flaws actually matter for your specific research question
TASK 15
Plan data collection methods for specific projects, and determine the types and sizes of sample groups to be used.
AI DOES
Suggests sampling strategies, runs power calculations, and flags common design pitfalls
YOU DO
Weigh project goals, budget limits, and real-world messiness to choose what actually works
TASK 16
Apply sampling techniques, or use complete enumeration bases to determine and define groups to be surveyed.
AI DOES
Suggests sampling strategies, calculates sample sizes, and checks math
YOU DO
Judge which method fits the actual population and research question
TASK 17
Prepare and structure data warehouses for storing data.
AI DOES
Generates schema designs, writes ETL scripts, and spots data quality issues
YOU DO
Decide how data should be structured to match real-world goals and data relationships
TASK 18
Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
AI DOES
Generates charts, summarizes findings into bullet points, and suggests slide layouts
YOU DO
Read your audience, answer live questions, and choose which story matters most
TASK 19
Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques, and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
AI DOES
Suggests study designs, reviews historical data patterns, and drafts analysis frameworks
YOU DO
Judge which design choices are truly valid and unbiased for the real-world problem at hand
TASK 20
Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
AI DOES
Suggests statistical methods, writes analysis code, and explains tradeoffs between approaches
YOU DO
Judge which method truly fits the problem, data quirks, and field-specific context
TASK 21
Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.
AI DOES
Suggests statistical methods, explains concepts, and drafts summaries of analytic options
YOU DO
Listen carefully to the client's unique problem and apply expert judgment about what approach actually fits
TASK 22
Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.
AI DOES
Drafts project plan templates, suggests statistical milestones, and flags common timeline risks
YOU DO
Weigh scientific context, negotiate with research teams, and own accountability for study design choices
TASK 23
Monitor clinical trials or experiments to ensure adherence to established procedures or to verify the quality of data collected.
AI DOES
Scans trial data for anomalies, missing values, and protocol deviations in real time
YOU DO
Judge whether a data issue is a true problem and decide what action to take
TASK 24
Design or maintain databases of biological data.
AI DOES
Drafts database schemas, writes SQL queries, and flags data quality issues
YOU DO
Decide what biological variables to capture and how to organize them for your specific research questions
TASK 25
Design surveys to assess health issues.
AI DOES
Drafts question sets, flags ambiguous wording, and suggests validated health scales
YOU DO
Decide what health outcomes truly matter and how to sample the right population
TASK 26
Plan or direct research studies related to life sciences.
AI DOES
Drafts study protocols, suggests sample sizes, and surfaces relevant research gaps
YOU DO
Own the scientific reasoning, stakeholder decisions, and ethical oversight
TASK 27
Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.
AI DOES
Summarizes related research, flags patterns in simulation outputs, and drafts hypothesis lists
YOU DO
Judge which findings truly challenge or extend theory and decide which research directions matter most
TASK 28
Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.
AI DOES
Drafts lecture slides, practice problems, explanations, and quiz questions on biostatistics topics
YOU DO
Lead live discussion, mentor students, and adapt teaching in real time based on how students respond
TASK 29
Assign work to biostatistical assistants or programmers.
AI DOES
Drafts task breakdowns, suggests workload splits, and tracks assignment status
YOU DO
Judge each person's capacity, skill fit, and project priorities
TASK 30
Supervise and provide instructions for workers collecting and tabulating data.
AI DOES
Drafts instruction guides, flags data quality issues, and suggests workflow improvements
YOU DO
Read the room, motivate workers, and adjust plans when people or situations change
TASK 31SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
AI DOES
Generates study protocols and statistical analysis plans
YOU DO
Shape the research question and ethics
About this analysis
55% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 32SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
AI DOES
Generates charts and tables from raw datasets
YOU DO
Choose the right story to tell
About this analysis
48% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 33SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.
AI DOES
Drafts sections and formats standard proposal elements
YOU DO
Shape the vision and convince reviewers
About this analysis
48% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 34
Collect data through surveys or experimentation.
AI DOES
Helps design survey questions, suggests sample sizes, and flags logic errors in data collection plans
YOU DO
Manage real people, handle ethics approvals, and make judgment calls in the field
TASK 35SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
AI DOES
Cleans data and generates initial statistical models
YOU DO
Choose the right approach and methods
About this analysis
43% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 36SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences.
AI DOES
Drafts sections and formats citations automatically
YOU DO
Shape the argument and own the insights
About this analysis
41% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 37SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
AI DOES
Generates charts, tables, and summary reports from data
YOU DO
Choose what story the numbers tell
About this analysis
38% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 38SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Examine theories, such as those of probability and inference, to discover mathematical bases for new or improved methods of obtaining and evaluating numerical data.
AI DOES
Tests statistical models and runs complex calculations
YOU DO
Choose which theories to explore and why
About this analysis
34% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 39SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
AI DOES
Drafts analysis frameworks and initial findings summaries
YOU DO
Shape the research story and conclusions
About this analysis
33% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 40SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
AI DOES
Generates design templates and runs statistical tests
YOU DO
Choose the right approach for real problems
About this analysis
32% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 41SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.
AI DOES
Suggests algorithms and writes basic code
YOU DO
Choose the right approach for the problem
About this analysis
30% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 42SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
AI DOES
Spots patterns and flags potential confounding variables
YOU DO
Decide which trends actually matter
About this analysis
27% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 43SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Report results of statistical analyses in peer-reviewed papers and technical manuals.
AI DOES
Generates charts, tables, and statistical summaries
YOU DO
Choose what findings to highlight and why
About this analysis
22% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 44SOURCE-BACKED TASK
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.
AI DOES
Scans papers and summarizes key findings
YOU DO
Judge what's worth your attention
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Statisticians
SOC code: 15-2041
Tasks reviewed: 44 of 44

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $105,650 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $109,660 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 29,030
Employed in Colorado: 780
Job outlook: +8.5% by 2034 · ~2,000 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.

Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.

Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.

Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.

Prepare statistical data for inclusion in reports to data monitoring committees, federal regulatory agencies, managers, or clients.

Develop software applications or programming for statistical modeling and graphic analysis.

Develop or use mathematical models to track changes in biological phenomena, such as the spread of infectious diseases.

Analyze archival data, such as birth, death, and disease records.

Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.

Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.

Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.

Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.

Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.

Evaluate sources of information to determine any limitations, in terms of reliability or usability.

Plan data collection methods for specific projects, and determine the types and sizes of sample groups to be used.

Apply sampling techniques, or use complete enumeration bases to determine and define groups to be surveyed.

Prepare and structure data warehouses for storing data.

Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.

Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques, and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.

Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.

Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.

Determine project plans, timelines, or technical objectives for statistical aspects of biological research studies.

Monitor clinical trials or experiments to ensure adherence to established procedures or to verify the quality of data collected.

Design or maintain databases of biological data.

Design surveys to assess health issues.

Plan or direct research studies related to life sciences.

Apply research or simulation results to extend biological theory or recommend new research projects.

Teach graduate or continuing education courses or seminars in biostatistics.

Assign work to biostatistical assistants or programmers.

Supervise and provide instructions for workers collecting and tabulating data.

Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.

Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.

Write research proposals or grant applications for submission to external bodies.

Collect data through surveys or experimentation.

Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.

Prepare articles for publication or presentation at professional conferences.

Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.

Examine theories, such as those of probability and inference, to discover mathematical bases for new or improved methods of obtaining and evaluating numerical data.

Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.

Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.

Develop or implement data analysis algorithms.

Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.

Report results of statistical analyses in peer-reviewed papers and technical manuals.

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.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.