Biomathematics is the use of mathematical models to better understand various phenomena in biology, according to North Carolina State University. It's vital to the scientific fields of ecology, toxology, physiology and natural resource management. Biomathematicians may use these mathematical models to predict how certain hereditary traits affect the offspring of humans or to calculate the optimal number of fish necessary to maintain existing populations in lakes. Their salaries typically vary by level of experience, geographical area and the types of employers for whom they work.

Salary Less Than $75,000

As of 2014, the average salary for biomathematicians was $72,892, according to CareerBuilder's salary calculator. To qualify for this job, candidates need at least bachelor's degrees in mathematics to work for the federal government and master's degrees in the same discipline for most employers. Those who are employed at universities and colleges and in scientific research may need doctoral degrees. Analytical, communication, decision-making, deductive reasoning and complex problem-solving skills are also essential requirements.

Northeast Salaries Vary More

In 2014, pay variations for biomathematicians were wider in the Northeast region, according to CareerBuilder, where they earned the lowest salaries at an average $56,100 in Pennsylvania and the highest at $122,000 in New Hampshire. In the West, those in Colorado made an average $33,800, while the figure for those in Washington state was $83,385. Biomathematicians' salaries averaged $47,852 in Florida and $74,706 in Virginia -- the lowest and highest salaries in the South. In the Midwest, they earned the most in Illinois and the least in Kansas, at $76,389 and $37,400 respectively. These data reflect only the states for which the sample sizes were large enough, CareerBuilder reported.

Earn Less Than Mathematicians

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an average salary of $103,310 for mathematicians in 2013, which was significantly higher than the $72,892 biomathematicians earned as reported by CareerBuilder in 2014. One reason the salaries may vary is that biomathematics encompasses jobs of various titles, including biostatisticians, bioinformatics scientists and clinical lab scientists. Earnings can vary considerably among these different jobs.

Promising Job Growth

The BLS expects jobs for mathematicians, including biomathematicians, to increase 23 percent through 2022, which is much faster than the 11 percent national average for all jobs. The 23 percent increase only represents 800 jobs over 10 years, though, as mathematics is a small and highly specialized field. The importance of genetics and the need for more medicines, however, should increase job opportunities for biomathematicians, according to the Department of Mathematics at Illinois State University. Because of strong competition in this employment sector, mathematicians who have master's degrees in mathematics and strong data analysis, quantitative research, statistical and computer skills will have the best chance of getting jobs.

Mathematicians salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $170,150 ($81.80/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $110,860 ($53.30/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $61,130 ($29.39/hour)