Mathematical Science Teachers
O*NET title: Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Also called: Actuarial Science Professor, Actuarial Science Teacher, Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Lecturer, Adjunct Mathematics Instructor, Adjunct Mathematics Professor (Adjunct Math Professor)
Median pay
$79,940
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$49,180 – $139,340
People employed
47,670
Holland code
SIC
Social · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Mathematical Science Teachers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What mathematical science teachers do
- 01Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- 02Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 03Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
- 04Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- 05Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 06Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Skills that matter most
- Mathematics
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from mathematical science teachers
- Instructional Coordinators78% · −3%
- Mathematicians75% · +59%
- Biostatisticians74% · group pay
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education74% · −10%
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School74% · −7%
Change into mathematical science teachers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary81% · $42,910
- Biostatisticians74% · $105,650
- Epidemiologists74% · $87,220
- Health Informatics Specialists73% · $105,850
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School72% · $65,030
Majors that lead here
- Mathematics Teacher Education
- Biostatistics
- Mathematics, General
- Algebra and Number Theory
- Analysis and Functional Analysis
- Geometry/Geometric Analysis
- Topology and Foundations
- Mathematics, Other
- Applied Mathematics, General
- Computational and Applied Mathematics
- Financial Mathematics
- Mathematical Biology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.