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Mathematicians
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.
Other titles employers use
Agent-Based Modeler · Computational Mathematician · Computational Scientist · Cryptographer · Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst · Mathematician · Research Computing Specialist · Research Scientist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, organizing and creative work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Physics
Useful strengths
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Number Facility
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.5 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.1 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 1.6 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a master's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A doctorate or professional degree 65%
- A master's degree 25%
- A four-year degree 10%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Object or component oriented development software
- Operating system software
- Web platform development software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Development environment software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Content workflow software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 180
- Job openings each year
- 10
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 5.9%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 180 | 10 | 5.9% |
| Washington | 140 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Colorado | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Illinois | 50 | 0 | — |
| New Jersey | 50 | 0 | — |
| Nevada | 30 | 0 | 50.0% |
| North Carolina | 30 | 0 | — |
| Ohio | 30 | 0 | — |
| Idaho | 20 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 20 | 0 | 100.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of California-Los Angeles
- Degrees each year
- 974
- Admit rate
- 9%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Stony Brook University
- Degrees each year
- 474
- Admit rate
- 49%
- Annual cost after aid
- $21,000
University of California-San Diego
- Degrees each year
- 835
- Admit rate
- 25%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of California-Santa Barbara
- Degrees each year
- 770
- Admit rate
- 28%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
University of California-Berkeley
- Degrees each year
- 580
- Admit rate
- 12%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Degrees each year
- 491
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Degrees each year
- 431
- Admit rate
- 19%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
The University of Texas at Austin
- Degrees each year
- 355
- Admit rate
- 29%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000