A graph is a visual representation of data -- it’s the old concept that a picture is worth a thousand words. Graphs can be used for statistical analysis, to make complex mathematical concepts easier to understand,and to compare progress or relationships such as percentages. Although many professionals use graphs in their work, science and mathematical occupations use graphs extensively.

Statisticians Have Data

Statisticians specialize in the use of statistical methods to help businesses solve problems, provide data to answer specific questions or analyze data from surveys and studies. They use graphs, tables, charts and other visual representations of information to analyze information or communicate their findings to others. A statistician might have anything from a bachelor’s degree to a doctorate, usually in statistics, mathematics or survey methodology. Independent research typically requires a doctorate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The field is projected to grow 27 percent from 2012 to 2022, more than twice as fast as average, according to the BLS. The BLS notes the median annual salary was $75,560 in 2012.

Weather Graphs

Atmospheric scientists study weather, climate and the relationships between atmospheric activity and human activity. They use computer models and simulations to represent weather data, which can include graphs of information such as temperatures, precipitation or other meteorological data. A bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a closely related science is the minimum requirement, although a master’s degree or Ph.D. is typically required for research. Atmospheric scientists might specialist in atmospheric chemistry, physics, meteorology, climatology or weather forecasting. Job growth will be slightly slower than average at 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, according to the BLS. Atmospheric scientists earned a median salary of $89,260 in 2013, according to the BLS.

Graphing Medical Research

A researcher in medical science will often use graphs to communicate the results of clinical trials, population-based studies on disease or connections between life habits and diseases such as diabetes or cancer. Medical informaticists are particularly likely to use large data sets and statistical analysis. Medical scientists typically specialize in a field such as cancer research, gerontology, pharmacology, immunology or neuroscience. A Ph.D. or medical degree is commonly required, and some medical scientists have both. This occupation is projected to grow at 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, and the BLS reports the median annual salary was $76,980 in 2013.

Graphing Risk

Like statisticians, actuaries use mathematics and statistics in their daily work. An actuary’s focus, however, is to calculate and mitigate risk. Actuaries are an essential part of the insurance industry, where their graphs are used to demonstrate probabilities, costs and other statistical data related to risk. They might specialize in health, property, casualty or life insurance. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement. Most actuaries are certified in their specialty. Pension actuaries also must be enrolled with the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries. Although it is a relatively small profession, job growth is projected at 26 percent by the BLS from 2012 to 2022. The median annual salary for actuaries in 2013 was $93,680.