Career Guides

Statisticians and Data Analysts

Sports statisticians use statistical principles and methods to record important data from sporting events. Data collected by statisticians is then dispersed to clubs, media outlets, and governing bodies to gauge performance and improvements.

Where You Might Work

In the fitness, sport, and recreation industry, statisticians have the chance of working for professional and amateur sporting organisations to track and record data. Coaches and instructors may also hire statisticians to understand how their athletes are working and what they may need to improve on.

Key Responsibilities

  • Formulating mathematical models to apply to different sporting codes.
  • Using numerical analysis methods to analyse performances of individual players or teams.
  • Liaising with clients to determine what specific areas of a game or performance that they want analysed.
  • Evaluating and describing the reliability of data to clients and organisations.
  • Producing relevant graphs or methods to help clients understand information easily.
  • Distributing information to clubs, coaches, and organisations.

The Attributes and Skills You Will Need

  • Proficiency in mathematical concepts, formulas, and theory.
  • An ability to use statistical software such as SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and Python.
  • Good communication skills, both in-person and digitally. 
  • An ability to work to a deadline and synthesise work quickly.
Salary: ranges from $63,000 to $101,000

Market Insights

3,300 employed (all industries)

Market Insights

Full-time share of 72%.

Market Insights

Female share of 52%

Market Insights

Average age n/a

Market Insights

Retrieved from: Labour Market Insights

Salary: The salary of a statistician in Australia ranges from $63,000 to $101,000, according to payscale.com (based on 29 salary profiles, last updated May 2023).

The education pathways listed encompass the most common courses that can be undergone to become a statistician. Internships and training may be required to move into the sporting sector for this job.

Course/s

Potential Career Outcomes

Further Qualifications

Duration and/or Number of Units

Bachelor of Mathematics – can also major in statistics

As well as becoming a sports statistician, there are many other analysis careers that this course can open for you.

Some students may wish to undergo an honours year for further knowledge. Others may take on a postgraduate degree after completing their undergraduate studies.

3-4 years full-time