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List of Jobs Requiring Math Skills

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From nursing to flying a plane, numerous jobs require mathematics. You don't need advanced calculus classes for most job-related math, but skills in algebra and geometry will help you in your occupation. With the extensive list of jobs requiring math skills, some examples from different fields can help you plan which math you need to brush up on for your future career.

Video Game Designer

Video game designers use geometry, trigonometry and physics when they create virtual worlds to explore. As games increase in complexity, so do the uses of math. For example, if you're creating a game with water effects, you must use geometry to determine the angle at which water flows across the screen, as well as physics to determine how the water reacts to character interaction. As a video game designer, you can expect a salary between $46,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on experience.

Inventory Strategist

When you determine how to best keep inventory in stock, you must use algebra and statistics to accumulate data on past sales figures and use them to predict future figures. For example, your position requires you to determine how much stock is needed for the month of October. By examining the average sales for the past Octobers, as well as any increase and decrease in the popularity of a product, you can determine the necessary stock. You can expect to make $60,000 per year in this profession.

Landscape Architect

You are not just planting flowers and trees as a landscape architect. You will use math to calculate the usable area in your outdoor workspace, while also using geometry to determine how trees block the sun so you can use shade-loving plants in your design. Landscape architects make between $35,000 and $45,000 annually for their work.

Photographer

Photographers don't just snap pictures; you must first determine the film speed if you're taking photos of a moving object, as well as the distance and angle of the photograph. Knowing how much exposure to give your film will result in different outcomes for the picture, meaning you will need to perform several calculations before you take your shot. As a photographer, your math use will contribute to a salary of between $42,000 and $64,000 per year.

Medical

Both doctors and nurses will use math to solve problems, such as the diagnosis of patients and the medication and dosage to prescribe. Nurses use ratios to determine dosage amounts, with patients of larger weights needing a higher dose. Surgeons need to make minute calculations when cutting into their patients to prevent damage during surgery. The salary for nursing ranges from between $47,000 and $67,000, while doctor salaries range from $125,000 to over $250,000 annually.

Accounting

Math such as algebra, ratios, fractions and percentages all come into play for an accountant. In this profession, you deal with large sums of money, while tracking income and expenditures and factoring in tax laws. The average accountant salaries range from $35,000 to $51,000 per year.

Pilot

A pilot uses math to calculate fuel reserves and distance between locations. A pilot will also use math when calculating flight time, taking into account wind speed and changes in the weather. Geometry helps to angle the plane downward during a landing to ensure the plane safely hits the runway. As a commercial pilot, you can plan to make between $39,000 and $97,000 per year.

References
Writer

Dan Chruscinski has written pieces for both business and entertainment venues. His work has appeared in "Screen Magazine" as well as websites such as Starpulse.com. Chruscinski graduated in 2006 with a degree in English literature from Illinois State University.

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