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Data analyst-statistician

Alternative titles for this job include Statistics officer

Data analyst-statisticians collect numbers and statistics to identify trends, create models and present results.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£62,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a data analyst-statistician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate degree in:

  • statistics
  • mathematics
  • economics
  • operational research
  • psychology

You may be able to apply for jobs if you have a degree in a subject that included statistics as part of your course, for example social science or geography.

Courses that give you the chance to spend a year in industry or get work experience through placements, internships or real business projects may give you an advantage when you are looking for graduate jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

College

You may be able to start by doing a T level in Digital Business Services. This could give you some of the skills you need to apply for a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could start in a junior data analysis role through a data technician advanced apprenticeship.

You could go on to complete a data analysis higher apprenticeship or data scientist degree apprenticeship.

If you want to work in health data analysis you could do a medical statistician degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

You can develop your professional skills and gain real work experience by helping community organisations and charities. For example, with the Royal Statistical Society.

Other Routes

You can apply to join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) as a trainee through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. You'll need a good degree or postgraduate qualification.

The GSS also directly recruits graduates and people with relevant experience into positions like statistical officer.

Real career story

Find out how Tamish became a data analyst.

A man standing on a busy bridge in front of city buildings and a sunset.

You can learn about Tamish’s career journey on the Analysis Function website.

Maths degree and first job 

“I graduated from university with a degree in maths and got a summer job straightaway working as a tax associate for an accounting firm. This then became a full time role. After almost 3 years, I felt I needed a new challenge that would build on the analytical skills from my degree.” 

Finance analyst 

“At this point, there was an organisation restructure which forced me to change jobs. I joined a food manufacturing company in their finance team as an analyst. During this time, I also looked into training routes to become a qualified data analyst.” 

Data analyst apprenticeship

“I applied for a Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to bridge the gap between my degree in maths and my interest in data analysis.” 

Data analyst 

“I completed the apprenticeship and continued my role as a data analyst. I have had lots of opportunities to experience different topic areas and engage with several different stakeholders across government.”

More Information

Further information

You can find out more on careers in statistics from the Royal Statistical Society.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to work on your own
  • concentration skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on the industry or sector, you might:

  • help to design scientific research studies
  • use statistical software to analyse risk, for example in insurance
  • look for trends and patterns to help organisations and government make policy decisions
  • investigate market research into consumer habits and feedback
  • analyse results from clinical trials
  • create models to predict demand for services or goods
  • check quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You can use your skills to work in a lot of different areas, for example healthcare, finance, environment, sports and e-commerce.

With experience, you could:

  • become a manager
  • move into teaching and academic research
  • work as a freelance consultant
  • become a data scientist to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve businesses

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Technical/Data Technician Apprentice (P2D UK Limited)

  • Wage: £13,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Highcliffe, Christchurch

Apprentice Data Analyst

  • Wage: £20,571.00 Annually
  • Location: West Hoe Road, Plymouth, Devon

Courses In England

Introduction to Data Analysis

  • Provider: NEW CITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 29 October 2024
  • Location: TOWER HAMLETS

Data Science and Analysis - Level 2 Certificate in Digital Skills

  • Provider: RICHMOND AND HILLCROFT ADULT AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 22 April 2024
  • Location: Richmond

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