What Mathematicians Do

Mathematicians conduct research to develop and understand mathematical principles. They also analyze data and apply mathematical techniques to help solve real-world problems.

Work Environment

Mathematicians work in the federal government and in private science and engineering research companies. They may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other professionals.

How to Become a Mathematician

Mathematicians typically need at least a master’s degree in mathematics. However, some positions are available for those with a bachelor’s degree.

Job Outlook

Employment of mathematicians is projected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Businesses will need mathematicians to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data.

Growth & Trends

This occupation supported 3,500 jobs in 2012 and 3,500 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 0.0%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 22.9% in 2022 to 4,300 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 3,600, compared with an observed value of 3,500, 2.8% lower than expected. This indicates current employment trends are worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 20.0% in 2024 to 4,200 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 4,400 jobs for 2024, 4.8% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation.

Mathematicians Employment and Labor Information 2023

Mathematicians Employment Brief:

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.

Mathematicians Job Description

Here is a Job Description an employer might post for potential Mathematicians.

Mathematicians Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
• Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
• Design, analyze, and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law-enforcement-related information in code.
• Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
• Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
• Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
• Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
• Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.
• Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
• Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.

Typical Daily Tasks of Mathematicians:

• Analyzing Data or Information: Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables. Analyze security of systems, network, or data. Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
• Processing Information.
• Getting Information.
• Thinking Creatively: Design computer modeling or simulation programs. Develop scientific or mathematical models.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Update knowledge about emerging industry or technology trends.
• Working with Computers.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates.
• Training and Teaching Others.

Mathematicians Skills and Requirements:

• Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Science Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Social Perceptiveness Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Technology Design Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
• Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Negotiation Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
• Management of Personnel Resources Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Programming Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• PresentationsUsing a computer application to create, manipulate, edit, and show virtual slide presentations.

Mathematicians Education and Training:

Typical education for include: Master's degree.

Mathematicians Salary, Wages, and Salary and Job Outlook

Mathematicians average pay is: $112110 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employees who work in Scientific Research and Development Services are the highest paid making $66.48, while NAmake the least at $25.60 per hour.Here are the top city/metro areas with the highest paying salaries for a Mathematicians: