Statistical Clerks

Career summary

Some statistical clerks may be called document control clerks or statistical assistants.

Clerks use several methods to gather information. One method is to interview people and keep track of their responses. Another way is to send out surveys, which are lists of questions.

When the surveys are returned, clerks check them to make sure all the questions were answered. For some surveys, people mark their answers on bubble sheets. They also check that responses are filled out correctly. Clerks set aside surveys that have too many errors. When they are satisfied with the sheets, clerks feed them through scanners that read the responses and store them in a format computers can read.

On some surveys, people write answers to questions or circle their responses. For these surveys, clerks must enter the responses into the computer. The data may need to be given special codes before they are entered.

After all the responses are entered, clerks analyze them. Clerks must know which statistical tests to run on the information. Almost all statistical clerks use computers and special programs to collect and analyze data. Clerks may create tables or graphs that show the results of the tests. They may also write reports that interpret the findings.

Clerks organize all the survey forms and reports. They file the information and keep the filing system up to date.

Some statistical clerks collect data on the effectiveness of advertising. Medical records clerks compile data to be used in reports that highlight research findings. Chart calculators collect data for power companies.

Related careers

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Actuaries
• Bookkeeping and Accounting Clerks
• Insurance Policy and Claims Clerks
• Insurance Underwriters
• Mathematicians
• Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
• Social Science Research Assistants
• Statisticians
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to statistical clerks.

• Conduct interviews.
• Send out surveys.
• Make sure data received from surveys can be used. Check for errors or incomplete surveys.
• Code or classify data. Follow set codes and procedures.
• Enter data into computer.
• Analyze data using statistical formulas. Use computer software or calculators.
• Create tables or graphs to show the results of studies.
• Write reports that explain the results of studies. Give presentations to clients.
• Compile data from existing sources, such as sales records or time sheets.

Common work activities

Statistical clerks perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Analyze data or information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Coach others
• Develop and build teams
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Perform administrative tasks
• Provide advice and consultation to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, statistical clerks:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They regularly speak with supervisors and clients, but also spend a considerable amount of time entering and analyzing data.
• Communicate on a daily basis by telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions.
• May work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors in offices.
• May share office space with other clerks.

Work performance

• Must be accurate and make sure all work is complete. Errors or omissions could result in incorrect results.
• Repeat the same physical activities, such as entering data and working at computers.
• Make some of their decisions independently, but often seek advice from supervisors.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without seeking input from others first.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40 hours per week.

Physical demands

Statistical clerks frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for statistical clerks to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for statistical clerks to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

Skills and abilities

Statistical clerks need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Write computer programs.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Accounting Technology and Bookkeeping

Other programs of study to consider

• Applied Mathematics
• Information Science
• Mathematics
• Statistics

Training

To work as a statistical clerk, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

A bachelor's degree in math or statistics is excellent preparation for this occupation.

Work experience

A job as a bookkeeping assistant for a school club provides good work experience. Part-time or summer work in a business office is helpful as well.

On-the-job training

Some statistical clerks still learn their skills informally on the job. You work with an experienced clerk or statistician. However, most new clerks have a bachelor's degree and on-the-job training is meant to develop skills needed specifically for that employer. This type of training generally lasts up to six months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Statistical clerks need a strong background in math. Be sure to take as many math classes as you can.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Probability and Statistics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require statistical clerks to have a bachelor's degree. Employers prefer applicants who like using math. Detail-oriented people who can work well with others are good job candidates.

#Took over national content to remove statement that employers prefer applicants who can use computers, 1/31/17 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Statistical Assistants 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The clerk's skill, experience, and level of responsibility also affect wages.

Statistical clerks who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Insurance companies
• Science and technical consulting firms

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be steady. Most statistical clerks use computers to process and analyze data. New jobs will be created for clerks is with technical consulting firms.

Most job openings will occur as current clerks leave this occupation. Opportunities should be best for people trained in the use of computers and other office machinery.

Other resources

American Statistical Association 
732 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
888.231.3473
703.684.1221

Careers in Statistics 

Mathematical Association of America 
1529 - 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.741.9415
202.387.5200

References

Career cluster

• Government and Public Administration

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Statistical Assistants (43-9111.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Chart Calculator (214.487-010) 
• Chart Changer (221.584-010) 
• Chart Clerk (221.382-010) 
• Compiler (209.387-014) 
• Planimeter Operator (219.387-022) 
• Statistical Clerk (216.382-062) 
• Statistical Clerk, Advertising (216.382-066) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Investigative/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Clerical