Mathematician
Develop math theories and models to solve problems in science, business and security.
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Education & Childcare career
Math Professor
Also called: Mathematics Professor · Math Instructor · Statistics Professor · Mathematics Faculty
What math professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a math professor do?
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in mathematics and statistics at colleges and universities and may conduct research. The median pay is $79,940 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +1.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$79,940Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+1.7%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year3,900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs57,100Employment, 2025
What math professors do
Math professors teach students to reason precisely. They teach courses from college algebra and calculus to linear algebra, statistics and advanced proofs, support struggling students, prove new theorems, publish research and train future mathematicians and teachers.
Universities typically require a Ph.D. in mathematics; community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree. Many teach large introductory courses.
Typical duties
- Teach math and statistics courses
- Write problem sets and exams
- Hold office hours
- Support tutoring programs
- Conduct research
- Advise math majors
- Serve on committees
Work environment and schedule
Math faculty work in classrooms, offices and math learning centers.
Schedule: Teaching, research and service with flexible hours.
A day in the life
- Teach calculus.
- Hold office hours.
- Work on a proof.
- Teach linear algebra.
See a full day in the life of a math professor →
Math Professor salary
Half of math professors earned more than $79,940 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,180 for the lowest 10% to $139,340 for the top 10%.
Full math professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a math professor
- Earn a math bachelor’s
- Take graduate courses
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Do a postdoc
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in mathematics is typical for universities; community colleges often accept a master’s degree.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a math professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Advanced mathematics
- Proof writing
- Statistics
- Course design
- Assessment
People skills
- Patience
- Clear explanation
- Encouragement
- Persistence
All math professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Love of math shared daily
- Flexible schedule
- Research freedom
- Steady course demand
Cons
- Lower pay than industry
- Competitive tenure track
- Grading load
- Math anxiety in students
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in mathematics: Doctoral degree.
- Master’s in mathematics: Community college path.
- Teaching certificate: Optional.
- Research grants: NSF and others.
Career path
- Graduate Student or Instructor: Teach while training.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Chair: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Math Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach calculus with active learning and help a student with math anxiety, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Math Professor vs. Mathematician · Math Professor vs. Statistician · Math Professor vs. High School Teacher · Math Professor vs. Physics Professor
Math Professor FAQ
Do math professors need a Ph.D.?
Usually for universities; community colleges often accept a master’s.
What do math professors research?
New theorems and applications in pure or applied math.
Is math teaching in demand?
Yes, most students take college math.
How much does a math professor make?
The median annual wage for math professors was $79,940 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,180 and the highest 10% earned more than $139,340.
How long does it take to become a math professor?
Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in mathematics is typical for universities; community colleges often accept a master’s degree.
Do you need a degree to be a math professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.
More math professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1022 (Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.