statistics
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.
statistics — the study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 53.08/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030, and is one of the Technical AI skills McKinsey identifies as specialised for AI-building work. ESCO classifies it as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill within knowledge. It is currently listed by 29 occupations in our catalogue, including Epidemiologists, Actuaries, Hydrologists, and Sociologists.
Occupations that require statistics
Showing top 20 of 29 occupations · ranked by India employment volume, then AI-durability.
Frequently asked questions
What is statistics?
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.
What category of skill is statistics?
ESCO classifies statistics under the knowledge category, specifically in the statistics subcategory.
Is statistics an AI-durable skill?
McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the declining band (SCI 53.08/100) — a skill likely to fall in demand as AI and automation cover more of its ground by 2030. Prioritise this skill only when it directly enables paid work today — plan for AI to absorb more of it every year.
Is statistics one of the Technical AI skills?
Yes — statistics is on McKinsey's Technical AI shortlist, the set of specialised skills relevant to building, tuning, and deploying AI systems rather than just using them.
Which jobs require statistics?
In our catalogue, 29 occupations list statistics as a required or important skill. The top occupations by employment volume include Epidemiologists, Actuaries, Hydrologists, Sociologists, Geographers, assayer.
How transferable is statistics between industries?
ESCO tags statistics as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill — a signal of how portable it is when you change field.
Is statistics the same as experimental data?
Yes — statistics is also known as experimental data, use of data in performance of work, use of statistics, organisation of data, data analysis, survey data, use of statistics in performance of work, or data collection. They refer to the same underlying capability in the ESCO taxonomy.
How can I learn statistics?
The most reliable path is to pick a job or project that demands statistics and learn through delivery. Complement that with role-specific roadmaps and short courses. Explore the occupations below to see where this skill is used in practice.