Mathematicians
SOC Code: 15-2021Also known as:
Agent-Based Modeler, Algebraist, Applied Mathematician, Cipher Expert, Computational Mathematician
Median Annual Salary
$121,680
-0.7% growth (2024-2034)
100
Openings/Year
2K
Current Jobs
What Mathematicians Do
Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.
💰 Salary
$121,680
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
Master's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
100
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,400
Projected Employment (2034)
2,400
Related Careers
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910 •
+19.7% growth
Statisticians
$103,300 •
+8.5% growth
Data scientists
$112,590 •
+33.5% growth
Physicists
$166,290 •
+4.0% growth
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
$79,350 •
+2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Mathematics
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Master's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Doctoral Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Mathematicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a mathematicians:
Mathematics, General
25,163 degrees awarded •
1,305 colleges offer this program
Financial Mathematics
5,335 degrees awarded •
118 colleges offer this program
Applied Mathematics, General
4,209 degrees awarded •
218 colleges offer this program
Mathematics and Computer Science
1,604 degrees awarded •
76 colleges offer this program
Mathematics and Statistics
871 degrees awarded •
45 colleges offer this program
Computational and Applied Mathematics
824 degrees awarded •
46 colleges offer this program
Mathematics and Statistics, Other
575 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Mathematical Statistics and Probability
458 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Computational Mathematics
397 degrees awarded •
27 colleges offer this program
Mathematics, Other
352 degrees awarded •
24 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Mathematicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become mathematicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mathematicians make?
The median annual salary for mathematicians is $121,680.
What education do mathematicians need?
Most mathematicians positions require a master's degree.
Common degree programs include Mathematics, General, Financial Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, General.
Is becoming mathematicians a good career choice?
Mathematicians is projected to see -0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for mathematicians?
Top colleges for aspiring mathematicians include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-San Diego, New York University, University of California-Irvine.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to mathematicians?
Mathematicians may also be known as: Agent-Based Modeler, Algebraist, Applied Mathematician, Cipher Expert, Computational Mathematician, Computational Scientist, Cryptanalyst, Cryptographer, Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst, Engineering Mathematician, Game Mathematician, Geometrician, Math Researcher (Mathematics Researcher), Mathematician, Research Computing Specialist, Research Scientist, Researcher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.