Salary for a Biostatistician IV

Biostatisticians can transform numbers into more comprehensible information.

Biostatisticians earn their salaries by using statistics to answer questions in various health fields. They can discover income disparities in the success of medical treatment, determine which treatments are most successful in clinical trials, or find any correlation between changes in health insurance laws and consumer spending. The position “Biostatistician IV” is a specific job level in the California state government.

Background

Biostatistician IV is the highest level of biostatistician in the California state government. Professionals with this designation research statistical problems in the public health field. They apply complex mathematical theories to ascertain information that is then provided to other professionals and officials in the state. At this level, employees perform basic research, investigate unproven principles, act as a technical resource for other statistical staff, write and review reports, and look for solutions using unconventional approaches. They often act as supervisor for lower level biostatisticians and clerical staff.

Work

The job demands a minimum Ph.D. in biostatistics or closely related field, plus 18 months of related teaching or research at the postdoctoral level. Biostasticians IV need extensive knowledge of modern probability and statistical theory, current relevant literature, public health problems, demographics and epidemiology, as well as census and registration systems. They earn a base salary of $5,309 to $6,451 according to the California State Personnel Board as of September 2011. This is over 38 percent over the $3,826 to $4,652 per month earned by the entry level position of Biostatistician II.

Comparison

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't compile separate statistics for biostatisticians but does have figures for statisticians, which can prove useful in comparing wages. As of May 2010, mean wages for the profession in all industries were $36.57 per hour or $76,070 per year, which is equivalent to $6,339 per year. This is near the top of the pay range for California biostatisticians IV. The largest employer of statisticians was the federal government at a mean $45.40 per hour or $94,420 per year, followed by scientific research and development services at a mean $41.22 per hour or $85,730 per year. The highest pay was with securities and commodity brokerages at a mean $58.76 per hour or $122,230 per year.

Perks

Biostatisticians IV receive benefits from the state as part of their salary package. These consist of health, dental, vision, and long-term care plans to take care of medical conditions. Other insurance includes life, death benefits, travel, long-term disability, state disability and non-industrial disability. California also offers retirement programs made up of a public retirement system that includes health benefits, as well as state savings plus plans that turn payroll deductions into additional retirement income.

References

• AmStatNews: Biostatisticians – Do you Know What They Do; Keith Crank; August 2010
• California State Personnel Board: Biostatistician IV Class Specification
• California State Personnel Board: Job Descriptions and Statistical Information
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Statisticians Wages
• California State Personnel Board: Benefits