It is possible to operate a wireless system, such as a CDMA system, in a more efficient manner by employing a statistical approach for setting power targets for reverse loop transmission. Unlike present methods for setting such targets a figure-of-merit quantity such as the frame error rate need not be measured to set the reverse loop transmission power for a wireless unit. Instead the target is set on a statistical basis established by sampling. Real time measurement of a quantity-of-merit is not required. A statistical approach produces among other things a decreased sensitivity to rapid changes in transmission conditions.