Will statistical assistants be replaced by AI?
Updated
Statistical assistants score 71 of 100 for AI exposure. AI can already do 56% of their task time. AI speeds up the other 44%.
- 56% AI can do it
- 44% AI helps
Very high exposure
Higher than 99% of the 923 occupations we scored.
Task by task
We graded 14 tasks, listed here from most to least exposed. AI can do 7 of them today, speeds up 7 and leaves 0 to people.
| Task | AI exposure |
|---|---|
| Enter data into computers for use in analyses or reports. Data entry from digital or scanned sources is highly automatable. | 88% AI can do it |
| Code data prior to computer entry, using lists of codes. Assigning codes from a list to responses is well suited to AI. | 80% AI can do it |
| Compute and analyze data, using statistical formulas and computers or calculators. Statistical software and LLMs run formulas and summarize results quickly. | 72% AI can do it |
| Send out surveys. Survey distribution by email or web platforms is fully automatable. | 72% AI can do it |
| Compile reports, charts, or graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses. AI and software generate charts and draft report narratives readily. | 70% AI can do it |
| Compile statistics from source materials, such as production or sales records, quality-control or test records, time sheets, or survey sheets. Extracting and tallying figures from structured records is routine for AI tools. | 70% AI can do it |
| File data and related information, and maintain and update databases. Database filing and updates are routine digital work software handles. | 62% AI can do it |
| Select statistical tests for analyzing data. AI suggests suitable tests well, but the analyst must confirm assumptions. | 62% AI helps |
| Check source data to verify completeness and accuracy. AI can flag inconsistencies, but checking against originals needs a person. | 55% AI helps |
| Participate in the publication of data or information. Editing and formatting help is strong, but publishing coordination stays human. | 45% AI helps |
Show the other 4 tasks
| Task | AI exposure |
|---|---|
| Check survey responses for errors, such as the use of pens instead of pencils, and set aside response forms that cannot be used. AI catches logical errors well, but physical form inspection needs people. | 45% AI helps |
| Organize paperwork, such as survey forms or reports, for distribution or analysis. Digital sorting is easy, but handling physical paperwork needs a person. | 35% AI helps |
| Interview people and keep track of their responses. AI voice tools can run some interviews, but live rapport needs people. | 30% AI helps |
| Discuss data presentation requirements with clients. AI can draft presentation specs, but client discussion stays interpersonal. | 30% AI helps |
How statistical assistants compare
All occupations (923)
Office and administrative support (51)
Pay and outlook in the US
- Median pay
- $50,330 a year, May 2025
- People employed
- 4,710 in the US, May 2025
- Projected change in jobs
- -1.8% from 2024 to 2034
Skills to build
- Validate source records against originals before analysis
- Script data validation checks in Python or SAS
- Build actuarial charts and graphs in Microsoft Excel
- Check paper survey forms for errors and set aside unusable responses
- Write analysis summaries in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
Safer roles nearby
5 related occupations with lower scores.
Questions about statistical assistants and AI
Will AI replace statistical assistants?
Largely. About 6 in 10 working hours go to tasks AI can already do, mostly data entry and coding survey responses from a list. Checking source records against originals and talking with clients about presentation needs stay with people.
Which tasks is AI taking over for statistical assistants?
Data entry has an exposure score of 88, because AI reads digital and scanned sources and fills fields without a clerk keying each value. Sending surveys by email or web platform is fully automatable, and Python, SAS, or R run the statistical formulas faster than a person can.
Which statistical assistant tasks stay human?
Checking source data against originals has an exposure score of 55, so it stays with people. AI flags inconsistencies well, but a person still holds the record to confirm it matches. Interviewing people scores 30, because live rapport needs a human in the room.
How can statistical assistants stay valuable?
Shift from keying data to validating it. Write validation checks in Python or SAS that flag errors, then confirm flagged records against source documents. Learn to build Excel charts and PowerPoint summaries that clients can use, and join the talks where clients set presentation requirements.
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Next steps for statistical assistants
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