Mathematician
Career One
What they do
Expand knowledge in mathematical areas, such as algebra or geometry, by developing new rules, theories, and concepts
Use mathematical formulas and models to prove or disprove theories
Apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields
Develop mathematical or statistical models to analyze data
Read professional journals, talk with other mathematicians, and attend professional conferences to maintain knowledge of current trends
Applied mathematicians, theoretical mathematicians. Others work in Academia.
Work environment
Mathematicians mostly work in offices with engineers, scientists, and other professionals. 30 percent employed by federal government.
Student
Mr. Kitna
Harvard Professor
How to become one
Need either a master’s degree or a doctorate. For jobs with the government, candidates need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or significant coursework in mathematics. Candidates who have a double major in mathematics and a related discipline are particularly desirable to many employers.
Students who are interested in becoming mathematicians should take as many math courses as possible in high school.
Pay
2012 Median Pay-$101,360 per year, $48.73 per hour
Job Outlook
Employment of mathematicians is projected to grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 800 new jobs over the 10-year period.
Similar Occupations
Computer programmers, physicists, statisticians, and more.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Mathematicians,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians.htm (visited February 09, 2015).
Images used from AP Images.