Statistical Programmer

Impact: Knowledge creation, Patient outcomes

Develops, validates, and maintains statistical programs for data analysis, reporting, and visualization in research or clinical trials.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
60% Team / 40% Solo
Client facing
Sometimes
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Minimal
Schedule flexibility
Flexible
Remote work
Hybrid
Typical work hours
40-50 hours/week
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$109,205
Entry-level
$75,000 - $95,000
Senior
$152,659+
Growth by 2033
10% (faster than average)
Demand
Growing
Freelance potential
Moderate
Salary growth potential
High to 60-80% growth from entry to senior
Typical student debt
$30,000 - $60,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • SAS
  • R
  • Python
  • SQL
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Clinical Trials
  • CDISC

Soft skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Time Management

Technical complexity: Very High

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's Degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
3-5 years
Years to senior
7-10 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Junior Statistical Programmer
      2. Statistical Programmer
      3. Senior Statistical Programmer
      4. Principal Statistical Programmer / Manager

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      25% to some tasks can be automated, but complex problem-solving requires human oversight
      AI disruption risk
      Low
      Demand trend
      Growing

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      3.8/10
      Work-life balance
      3.2/10
      Prestige
      7.5/10
      Social perception
      High

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