31 Math and Science Careers

Updated April 18, 2024

The career path you choose often relates to the subjects you studied in school and found particularly interesting. Math and science are two subjects that all students encounter, and those who excel in these areas can find a number of career opportunities. Careers in math and science vary widely, although most offer the potential for advancement and fulfillment. In this article, we discuss the importance of math and science careers as well as what jobs are available to those who excel in and enjoy these subjects.

Why are math and science careers important?

Math and science are two subjects that apply to many different aspects of our lives. Math is the study of space, quantity, change and structure. Although that may seem abstract, it is a subject that strives for definitive solutions and answers to problems as well as absolutes. Those who feel drawn to finding smarter and faster solutions to common problems often do well in math courses. To better understand the world, handle aspects of running and operating a business, and validate what we believe, we need math.Science is another area that students focus on throughout their education. Studying science can also provide insights into the way the world functions and exists as well as help individuals learn how to break complex topics and systems into smaller, more manageable parts. When learning science, students can understand how to recognize cause and effect relationships, troubleshoot problems and come up with solutions.Although some areas of science are more technical in nature, others can be applied to today's modern world. For example, a degree in computer science provides the knowledge needed to identify problems with a machine and come up with a solution for each issue. Scientists work in nearly every industry to problem-solve, develop hypotheses and create solutions to common problems.Those who want to work in math or science can find fulfilling career opportunities that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical manner. When studying math and science, students may also develop their analytical skills, helping them to analyze issues, perform research, develop plans and timelines, and draw conclusions from the information they find when researching a topic. Math courses help people learn how to make calculations for making measurements or performing financial tasks.Math and science are important subjects that shape the way people solve problems, research topics and develop solutions. In the workplace, you may find yourself using your math and science skills more than you expected to when you were studying these subjects in school. If you excel in either or both of these subjects, you may want to look for a career that allows you to apply the knowledge and skills more effectively in your daily tasks.Related: How to Determine What to Do With Your Life

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31 common math and science careers

Although many job opportunities use math and science, some are particularly focused on these subjects. Learn more about some of the most common math and science careers you can choose to pursue:

1. Pharmacy technician

National Average Salary: $34,085 per yearCommon Duties: A pharmacy technician supports the pharmacist and other staff members in a pharmacy. Main duties include preparing medications, receiving and verifying prescription orders, filling and pricing prescriptions, assisting with insurance claim processing, completing patient paperwork, managing inventory and maintaining all safety protocols and procedures.

2. Math teacher

National Average Salary: $52,953 per yearCommon Duties: Math teachers work in classrooms across all education levels, including in elementary, middle and high schools, as well as in higher education institutions. They are responsible for imparting math curricula to students to help them understand key topics and prepare for exams and standardized tests.

3. Aircraft mechanic

National Average Salary: $60,267 per yearCommon Duties: An aircraft mechanic is responsible for performing maintenance on the various components and accessories of aircraft, installing and replacing parts, managing inventory, diagnosing malfunctions and ensuring an aircraft is safe and ready to take flight.

4. Electrician

National Average Salary: $53,980 per yearCommon Duties: Electricians work on the electrical equipment used in commercial and residential structures. They maintain, repair and install control, power, communications and lighting systems. They also diagnose problems with components, read technical diagrams and blueprints, perform inspections and adhere to all national, state and local building codes and regulations.

5. Landscape designer

National Average Salary: $63,468 per yearCommon Duties: A landscape designer's duties may vary by industry or specific job. However, some of the most common duties for those in this role include using software to design landscaping for commercial and residential properties, contracting with installation providers to place flowers, grass, shrubs, trees and other components of landscaping, creating project cost estimates, maintaining budgets and performing on-site assessments to determine the available space.

6. Science teacher

National Average Salary: $54,810 per yearCommon Duties: Science teachers instruct students in various aspects of science, such as biology, chemistry, zoology and other areas. A science teacher must create lesson plans and use those plans to teach students through the use of hands-on learning and lectures while also maintaining an orderly classroom that encourages learning.

7. Cartographer

National Average Salary: $66,727 per yearCommon Duties: A cartographer designs, studies, distributes and produces conventional and digital maps, spreadsheets, charts and diagrams for use in the public and commercial sectors. Additional duties may include assessing satellite and aerial images; working with clients, external contacts and information providers; and confirming the accuracy of existing maps.

8. Chemist

National Average Salary:$71,290 per yearCommon Duties: Chemists apply their knowledge of chemistry to assess chemicals and improve the way they are used. Common job duties include creating processes that relate to chemicals, performing research, providing instruction on proper chemical usage and testing, analyzing substances, writing technical reports, testing chemicals for safety and presenting findings in scientific applications.

9. Accountant

National Average Salary: $59,606 per yearCommon Duties: An accountant manages and provides financial information for a client or company. Their duties often include preparing and presenting financial reports; summarizing financial information; documenting transactions; maintaining financial security; complying with local, state and federal financial regulations; and preparing and issuing payments on behalf of a client or business.

10. Forensic scientist

National Average Salary: $63,220 per yearCommon Duties: A forensic scientist works with a legal team to process evidence found at crime scenes. The evidence is often presented and analyzed in legal settings. Their main responsibilities include interpreting blood spatter patterns, conducting investigations, tracing substances found in fluids and tissues, taking photographs and video recordings, making sketches and maintaining all testing equipment.

11. Registered nurse

National Average Salary: $70,822 per yearCommon Duties: Registered nurses work in hospitals, healthcare clinics and other medical facilities to provide care and support to patients and care teams. Their duties include monitoring, reporting on and recording patient symptoms and medical conditions; administering medication and treatment; observing patients for side effects or reactions; performing diagnostic tests; and preparing patients for surgeries and procedures.Related: 10 Highest Paid Nursing Jobs

12.Research analyst

National Average Salary: $66,256 per yearCommon Duties: A research analyst studies, interprets and presents data related to various fields. Those in this profession could review data related to economics, operations, finance, markets or customers, depending on the need. They also manage numbers and data, identify trends, make recommendations, analyze and organize data, and create charts that clearly outline the information found in a visual way.

13. Web developer

National Average Salary: $77,791 per yearCommon Duties: In a web developer role, an individual is responsible for designing, coding and laying out a website based on the needs of a client. They must write code, use all necessary programming and coding languages, maintain consistent communication with clients, accept and apply feedback, and implement contingency plans in case a website experiences issues.

14. Biomedical engineer

National Average Salary: $86,755 per yearCommon Duties: Biomedical engineers design systems and products used in the medical field, such as artificial devices and organs that can replace existing body parts as well as machinery used to diagnose medical problems. Additional duties include installing, repairing, adjusting and supporting equipment, training clinicians on the proper use of equipment, evaluating the effectiveness and safety of equipment and coordinating with other scientists and medical professionals.

15. Biologist

National Average Salary: $70,725 per yearCommon Duties: A biologist studies plant life and organisms to better understand their habitats, behaviors and composition. They perform research, collect measurements and samples, conduct experiments, classify animals and plants, and report on their findings.

16. Construction manager

National Average Salary:$84,874 per yearCommon Duties: Construction managers oversee and direct construction projects from start to finish. Their duties include reviewing all aspects of a project to estimate costs and create a schedule, maintaining compliance with safety and building codes and regulations, ensuring all work on the job is being performed according to the specifications, coordinating with subcontractors, tracking inventory, and writing and negotiating terms of contracts.

17. Pilot

National Average Salary: $59,486 per yearCommon Duties: A professional pilot flies and navigates an airplane, helicopter or other type of aircraft. A commercial pilot works for an airline to transport passengers, cargo or both from one location to another. Their duties include assessing the condition of aircraft before taking flight, monitoring all systems throughout a flight, creating flight plans, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo and coordinating with air traffic controllers and other professionals in the industry.

18. Environmental engineer

National Average Salary: $87,611 per yearCommon Duties: Environmental engineers work in various settings, applying the principles of biology, engineering, chemistry and soil science to create solutions to problems related to the environment and conservation.

19. Civil engineer

National Average Salary: $88,264 per yearCommon Duties: A civil engineer creates, protects and improves the infrastructure of a specific area by designing and overseeing the construction of structures and infrastructure. Examples include bridges, roads, irrigation projects, dams, power plants, water systems, airports and railways.

20. Mechanical engineer

National Average Salary: $89,424 per yearCommon Duties: Mechanical engineers develop, build, design and test mechanical systems and devices. Their duties may include analyzing problems to determine how a new device might provide a resolution, investigating equipment issues, overseeing the manufacturing process and redesigning existing devices and systems.

21. Meteorologist

National Average Salary: $55,519 per yearCommon Duties: A meteorologist must apply their knowledge of scientific techniques to understand, observe, interpret and predict the atmosphere of the earth. They record and analyze data from satellites, weather stations and radars, provide customers with weather forecasts and reports, research and predict changes in the climate and stay up to date with relevant technical and scientific developments.

22. Scientist

National Average Salary: $89,737 per yearCommon Duties: Scientists perform research and experiments to better understand the world around them. Those in this role often develop solutions to problems and conduct experiments to confirm their solutions, demonstrate procedures, record and analyze data and prepare reports for research and funding.

23. Software developer

National Average Salary: $108,896 per yearCommon Duties: Software developers are responsible for researching, implementing, managing and designing software programs. They test and evaluate programs, identify areas for improvement, maintain and upgrade systems, train users and develop quality assurance procedures for software.

24. IT manager

National Average Salary: $91,636 per yearCommon Duties: An IT manager oversees computer-related activities for an organization. Their duties include implementing and testing computer systems to fulfill the needs of the company and its employees, managing the networks, diagnosing and resolving computer issues, defining a strategy for the IT department and assessing vendors for new hardware and software.

25. Chemical engineer

National Average Salary: $93,265 per yearCommon Duties: Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry and other areas of science to produce a variety of products and chemicals. They must ensure compliance with environmental, safety and health regulations; design and plan equipment layout; conduct research; monitor production processes; and estimate production costs.

26. Mathematician

National Average Salary: $111,102 per yearCommon Duties: A mathematician applies the advanced principles of mathematics to develop new principles, solve problems and analyze data. Their duties include developing models; analyzing data to support decisions; working with other professionalsl and expanding their knowledge through the development of new concepts, rules and theories.

27. Actuary

National Average Salary: $120,164 per yearCommon Duties: The main duties for actuaries include analyzing the financial costs of uncertainty and risks; using math, financial theory and statistics to assess the potential risk of an event occurring; and working with professionals in various business applications to report their findings.Related: 10 Jobs for Statistics Majors

28. Pharmacist

National Average Salary: $119,755 per yearCommon Duties: Pharmacists serve patients by preparing and distributing medications, interpreting and reviewing medication orders from healthcare professionals, controlling and dispensing medications, complying with federal and state drug laws, and maintaining careful records regarding medication distribution and storage.

29. NASA scientist

National Average Salary: $89,737 per yearCommon Duties: A scientist at NASA performs testing and research needed for a mission into space. They also study various aspects of space, including planets, astrophysical objects, explosion, galaxies and comets, to learn more about what may interfere with space missions.

30. Nurse anesthetist

National Average Salary: $199,423 per yearCommon Duties: Nurse anesthetists are certified medical professionals who administer medications to sedate patients during procedures and surgeries. They also complete physical assessments of their patients, discuss expectations and needs, prepare medications, maintain proper levels throughout a procedure and ensure proper recovery.

31. Physician

National Average Salary: $214,096 per yearCommon Duties: A physician is responsible for diagnosing injuries and illnesses for their patients. They can work in various specialties of medicine, perform surgery, order and perform diagnostic tests, counsel with patients and treat injuries with proper procedures.