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.
Also called: Agent-Based Modeler, Algebraist, Applied Mathematician, Cipher Expert, Computational Mathematician, Computational Scientist
Median pay
$126,710
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$69,240 – $195,190
People employed
2,030
Holland code
ICA
Investigative · Conventional · Artistic
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.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 6.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 7.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 8.Do you prefer working indoors?
Mathematicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (12 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What mathematicians do
- 01Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
- 02Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- 03Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- 04Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- 05Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- 06Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
Skills that matter most
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Science
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Physics
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
- Innovation
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 mathematicians
- Physicists91% · +36%
- Astronomers89% · +2%
- Computer and Information Research Scientists86% · +11%
- Bioinformatics Scientists79% · group pay
- Biochemists and Biophysicists77% · +1%
Change into mathematicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Astronomers92% · $128,820
- Computer and Information Research Scientists86% · $140,300
- Bioinformatics Scientists83% · $98,920
- Physicists81% · $172,250
- Financial Quantitative Analysts76% · $81,100
Majors that lead here
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other
- Mathematics, General
- Algebra and Number Theory
- Analysis and Functional Analysis
- Geometry/Geometric Analysis
- Topology and Foundations
- Mathematics, Other
- Applied Mathematics, General
- Computational Mathematics
- Computational and Applied Mathematics
- Financial Mathematics
- Mathematical Biology
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.