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.
Mathematicians
SOC: 15-2021 O*NET: 15-2021.00
Median Salary
$121,680
per year
Job Growth
📉 -0.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Mathematicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$63,430
10th percentile
Early Career
$85,720
25th percentile
Median
$121,680
50th percentile
Experienced
$153,340
75th percentile
Top Earners
$187,660
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$63,430
25th
$85,720
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$121,680
Mean: $122,520
75th
$153,340
90th
$187,660
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $124,230 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $85,720 and $153,340
- •Salary spread is 55.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 2,220 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:2,400
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services17.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services17.6%
Scientific Research and Development Services13.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-0.7%
Annual Openings:100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)2,400
Current
2034 (Projected)2,400
-0.7%
0
Employment Change
-0.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Mathematicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 13 of 13 locations
Virginia
400 jobs$142,1506.91x
California
240 jobs$143,8900.92x
Washington
180 jobs$137,1803.58x
Maryland
170 jobs$128,9404.26x
New York
150 jobs$98,6201.11x
Florida
90 jobs$105,3700.61x
Nevada
90 jobs$102,9003.91x
Michigan
80 jobs$63,4301.25x
New Jersey
70 jobs$96,6201.07x
Illinois
60 jobs$127,2900.73x
Colorado
60 jobs$108,5001.41x
District of Columbia
50 jobs$154,4805.17x
Ohio
30 jobs$96,7800.42x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mathematics
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Complex Problem Solving
86%
#4
Active Learning
80%
#5
Reading Comprehension
74%
#6
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Science
54%
#9
Active Listening
46%
#10
Speaking
40%
Skills Overview
Mathematics
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced4.3
86%
Active Learning
intermediate4.0
80%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.7
74%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Science
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mathematics
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Science
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Atmospheric and Space Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Statisticians100%
5 shared skills
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers100%
5 shared skills
Hydrologists100%
5 shared skills
Materials Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Materials Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Science
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Complex Problem Solving
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
- ★Active Learning
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Mathematicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechAtlassian JIRA
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMySQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechC
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Studio
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Tableau
Atlassian JIRA
Salesforce software
MySQL
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
C
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Studio
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
12
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (6)Planning & Development (4)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution91% perform94%
5
Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Design, analyze, and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law-enforcement-related information in code.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •58% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Mathematicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Mathematicians professionals typically have a ICA Holland code and highly value achievement
IInvestigative
CConventional
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Mathematicians
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.75
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.45
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.35
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.30
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.25
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.20
Complete Work Styles Profile
Analytical Thinking
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.5
Persistence
4.3
Integrity
4.3
Innovation
4.3
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Initiative
4.0
Independence
3.8
Dependability
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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