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

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.

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

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.

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.