Computers and math
Mathematician
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.
Median pay
$126,710
Growth to 2035
+1%
little or no change
Openings a year
100
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Mathematician
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Master's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Mathematician: 60% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Agent-Based Modeler · Computational Mathematician · Computational Scientist · Cryptographer · Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst · Mathematician · Research Computing Specialist · Research Scientist
Outlook and AI
Mathematicians held 2,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 2,200 by 2035 (+1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
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