Job Prospects... At a glance
Job prospects for statisticians are average. Employment numbers are projected to rise, and experienced statisticians are in high demand, but there are few entry-level openings for new graduates. Statisticians have very high incomes.
Statisticians use statistical methods to analyse and report information for a range of purposes, often to do with identifying trends and changes that can help improve decision-making for the future. They work for a range of organisations, mostly in the government or business sectors.
To become a statistician, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in a subject with a large quantitative component, such as statistics, mathematics or econometrics. Many statisticians also have postgraduate degrees and it is not uncommon for them to have degrees in another subject as well.
In order to work in the related occupation actuary, you also need to pass exams set by the UK Institute of Actuaries.
UK Institute of Actuaries: https://www.actuaries.org.uk
| Bachelor of Science |
|---|
| $20,400 over three years |
Average costs in 2018 for a domestic student. Costs vary between institutions. First time students may be eligible for fees-free
tertiary education for their first year of study, which will reduce the total cost. For more information about fees-free eligibility, go to feesfree.govt.nz. Further costs include materials, textbooks, and accommodation.
Students completing a Bachelor of Science are usually able to major in a subject relevant for statisticians, such as mathematics or statistics.
Rents vary from place to place. Estimated market rents by region, city and suburb are available on the MBIE Tenancy Services website.
The StudyLink website provides general budget advice for students, and the Sorted website provides help with detailed budget planning.
Tenancy Services: www.tenancy.govt.nz/rent-bond-and-bills
StudyLink: www.studylink.govt.nz
Sorted: www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/money-planner
Most universities in New Zealand offer a Bachelor of Science with the option of majoring in statistics or related subjects.
In 2017, the average annual income for statisticians is estimated to be around $88,200
| Estimated Average Income | |
|---|---|
|
$88,200 |
|
Source: MBIE estimates based in Statistics NZ Census and Labour Cost Index.
Statisticians' employment
| Historic | Projected Growth | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 2013 | 2021 | 2026 |
| 828 | 909 | 1,086 | 1,200 |
| 1.3% | 3.0% | 2.0% | |
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections. Percentages are compound annual growth rates.
*Growth projections are for the broader category “Information and Organisation Professionals”.
The number of statisticians in employment grew between 2006 and 2013. This number is projected to keep rising at over 2.0% per year out to 2026.
Most employers are looking for experienced statisticians when they are hiring, so it can be hard for new graduates to find an entry-level job.
Employment chart
Source: Statistics NZ Census and MBIE projections
| Overseas | In further study | Receiving a benefit | In employment | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24% | 2% | 2% | 53% | $59,000 |
Source: Tertiary Education Commission.
*Three years after completion of Bachelor Degree - Mathematical Sciences.
Most graduates were in employment three years after completing a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences. Relatively few were in further study, while a significant number were overseas. The median salary was around $59,000.
Statisticians are not on Immigration New Zealand’s skill shortage lists.
Immigration NZ, skill shortage list: skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz
The number of online job vacancies for the broader group ;Actuaries, mathematicians and statisticians' has been steady for the last two years. Like the average for all vacancies, the number of job advertisements for this group was about 20% higher in December 2017 than in December 2011.
Jobs advertised chart
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Statisticians' vacancies are advertised through public media such as the Trade Me Jobs and Seek websites.
Trade Me Jobs: www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
Seek: www.seek.co.nz
Statisticians work for government agencies, such as Statistics New Zealand, and private organisations such as banks, insurance companies and research companies.
As it is useful for statisticians to have knowledge of the subjects they work on, many specialise in a particular area (for example insurance, health, agriculture). Because they need knowledge of their specialist field, it is often useful for statisticians to do another degree in addition to statistics.
Some statisticians progress to team leaders or managers.
The following occupations are related roles or alternative titles. Some of the roles may require a higher level of skill than entry-level statisticians.
More information on statisticians is available on the Careers New Zealand website.
Careers New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz
The Australian New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is the official classification of occupations in New Zealand.
The occupation of statisticians has been coded to the following ANZSCO code for the purpose of this report:
2241 –Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians