What is a Mathematician?
- Median Salary
- $112,110
- Unemployment Rate
- N/A
- Number of Jobs
- 100
What is a Mathematician?
- Median Salary
- $112,110
- Unemployment Rate
- N/A
- Number of Jobs
- 100
"Teaching is the traditional path, but it certainly should not define us as mathematicians," says Freda Porter, who previously taught math courses, including applied mathematics and calculus, at University of North Carolina at Pembroke and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "I was pretty happy teaching. Very happy with just watching the lights go on with students." However, she says, "I knew I needed something extra for myself." Porter is now president and chief executive officer at Porter Scientific, an environmental consulting and professional services company in Pembroke, North Carolina.
The profession's versatility also influences job growth. Individuals and companies continue to adapt to an age of innovative technology, increasingly operating business online and through social media, smartphones and other devices. Digitally stored data is growing, and companies will need mathematicians to analyze that data to improve processes, design and create products. During a time of uncertainty regarding cyber security, mathematicians will also be needed to help information security analysts develop data security systems.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.2% employment growth for mathematicians between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 100 jobs should open up.
- Median Salary
- $112,110
- Unemployment Rate
- N/A
- Number of Jobs
- 100
"Teaching is the traditional path, but it certainly should not define us as mathematicians," says Freda Porter, who previously taught math courses, including applied mathematics and calculus, at University of North Carolina at Pembroke and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "I was pretty happy teaching. Very happy with just watching the lights go on with students." However, she says, "I knew I needed something extra for myself." Porter is now president and chief executive officer at Porter Scientific, an environmental consulting and professional services company in Pembroke, North Carolina.
The profession's versatility also influences job growth. Individuals and companies continue to adapt to an age of innovative technology, increasingly operating business online and through social media, smartphones and other devices. Digitally stored data is growing, and companies will need mathematicians to analyze that data to improve processes, design and create products. During a time of uncertainty regarding cyber security, mathematicians will also be needed to help information security analysts develop data security systems.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.2% employment growth for mathematicians between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 100 jobs should open up.
Rankings
Mathematicians rank #22 in Best Business Jobs. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors. Read more about how we rank the best jobs.
Scorecard
- Salary 6.9
- Job Market 4.5
- Future Growth 1.4
- Stress 4.5
- Work Life Balance 3
How Much Does a Mathematician Make?
Job Satisfaction
Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have a job that's enjoyable and a career that's fulfilling. A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. Here's how Mathematicians job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility.
Opportunities for advancements and salary
Opportunities for advancements and salary
Work environment and complexities of the job's responsibilities
Work environment and complexities of the job's responsibilities
Alternative working schedule and work life balance
Alternative working schedule and work life balance
How to Become a Mathematician?
Porter, who holds a doctorate in applied mathematical and computational sciences, says a doctorate is typically only necessary for research positions. But she does recommend studying subjects beyond mathematics. "It's stronger when it has another supporting cast member, like computer science," she says.