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Technology and Mathematics

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Mathematicians
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Median pay

$121,680
Median annual pay for Mathematicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-0.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

2,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Mathematicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Master's degree
Typical education needed to enter Mathematicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Active Learning
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Science
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Education and Training
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Physics
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Mathematical Reasoning
  2. 2Number Facility
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Written Comprehension
  6. 6Written Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Realistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Intellectual Curiosity
  3. 3Innovation
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Dependability

Work activities

  1. 1Thinking Creatively
  2. 2Analyzing Data or Information
  3. 3Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  4. 4Processing Information
  5. 5Training and Teaching Others
  6. 6Working with Computers

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Freedom to Make Decisions
  3. 3Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Spend Time Sitting

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
  • Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.

Software and tools

C · in demandC# · in demandR · in demandAtlassian JIRA · in demandC++ · in demandThe MathWorks MATLAB · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandPython · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandVersion control software · in demandPerforce software · in demandChatbot software · in demand

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.