Mathematician

Your Fit

Income

$122K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

2.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Mathematician?

A Mathematician is a professional who applies mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields. They conduct research to develop new mathematical principles and understand existing ones better.

Sample job titles:

Computational Mathematician, Cryptographer, Mathematician, Research Scientist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Mathematician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Mathematician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$63K per year	$86K per year	$122K per year	$153K per year	$188K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $72K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Mathematician do?

Work environment

Mathematicians typically work in an office setting, often for government agencies, private science and engineering research companies, or academic institutions. Their work usually involves collaboration with engineers, scientists, and other professionals, and may also include teaching at the university level.

Quick task list

Conducts research to explore and apply mathematical theories.
Develops mathematical models to solve practical problems in fields like science and engineering.
Analyzes data and applies mathematical techniques to interpret results.
Collaborates with professionals in other fields to address complex issues.
Presents findings through reports, papers, or lectures.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Applied Mathematics: Focusing on the application of mathematical methods to practical problems.
Theoretical Mathematics: Concentrating on advancing mathematical theory.
Computational Mathematics: Using computational techniques to analyze and solve mathematical problems.
Statistics: Specializing in the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data.
Mathematical Physics: Applying mathematical methods to solve problems in physics.

Description

The field of mathematics is vast and diverse, offering opportunities to work in various sectors, including education, government, and private industry. Mathematicians use their knowledge to analyze data, develop algorithms, model natural phenomena, and solve complex problems. Their work is often at the heart of scientific and engineering breakthroughs and contributes significantly to various fields such as economics, finance, and technology.

Mathematicians must be adept at logical reasoning and abstract thinking. They need strong analytical skills to identify, model, and solve complex problems. The occupation requires not only a deep understanding of mathematical concepts but also the ability to apply these concepts to real-world situations. Mathematicians often work on long-term research projects, which can be both challenging and rewarding.

The career path for mathematicians can vary greatly. Some may focus on theoretical research, seeking to advance our understanding of mathematical principles, while others apply their mathematical expertise to practical problems in business, engineering, or technology. Teaching and academic research are also common career paths, particularly for those with advanced degrees.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to advancements in science and technology through mathematical research.
The intellectual challenge and satisfaction of solving complex problems.
Opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects across various industries.

You might make a good Mathematician if you are...

Passionate about mathematics and enjoy solving complex problems.
Skilled in logical reasoning and abstract thinking.
Patient and persistent, as mathematical research can be a long-term, intensive process.
Able to communicate complex mathematical concepts clearly to others.
Interested in applying mathematical theories to real-world situations.

Pros:

High potential for impact in various fields.
Opportunities for intellectual challenge and continuous learning.
Diverse career paths in academia, industry, or government.

Cons:

Requires extensive education and academic qualifications.
May involve working on complex problems with long periods without significant breakthroughs.
Theoretical work can sometimes seem disconnected from practical applications.

How to become a Mathematician

Typical education

A mathematician typically requires a Ph.D. in mathematics or a related field, which can take an additional 4-6 years after completing a bachelor's degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced mathematics courses, including calculus, algebra, and geometry.
Physics and other sciences to understand the application of mathematics.
Computer Science to develop computational and programming skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in math clubs or competitions like Math Olympiads.
Engaging in science fairs or academic clubs.
Exploring online math courses or summer programs in mathematics.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field.
Consider graduate studies, leading to a master's or Ph.D., especially for research-intensive roles.
Gain experience through internships or research projects in applied mathematics.

More resources

American Mathematical Society (AMS) - Provides resources and information for mathematical research and education.
Mathematical Association of America (MAA) - Offers professional development, publications, and resources for mathematicians.
Khan Academy - Free online courses in a variety of mathematical subjects.
arXiv.org Mathematics - Access to a vast repository of mathematical research papers.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.