What Does a Mathematician Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a mathematician do?

Mathematicians conduct research to develop mathematical principles or solve problems by applying mathematical methods. The median pay is $126,710 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–6 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +0.6% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$126,710
$60.92/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+0.6%
2025–35, little or no change
Openings per year
100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Master's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
2–6 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
2,200
Employment, 2025

What mathematicians do

Mathematicians use math to answer hard questions. They develop models and algorithms, prove theories, analyze data and work on problems in physics, engineering, finance, cryptography and national security.

Most have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in mathematics. It is a small, well-paid field; many work for the federal government.

Typical duties

Develop models
Prove theories
Design algorithms
Analyze data
Write papers
Collaborate with scientists
Present results

Work environment and schedule

Mathematicians work in offices for government, research labs and companies.

Schedule: Full-time, flexible hours.

A day in the life

9:00 AMWork on a proof.
10:30 AMMeet engineers about a model.
12:00 PMCode an algorithm.
2:00 PMRun simulations.

See a full day in the life of a mathematician →

Mathematician salary

Half of mathematicians earned more than $126,710 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $69,240 for the lowest 10% to $195,190 for the top 10%.

$69,24010th$126,710Median$195,19090th

Full mathematician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a mathematician

Earn a math bachelor’s
Do research
Earn a master’s or Ph.D.
Publish
Get hired

A master’s degree or Ph.D. in mathematics is typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a mathematician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Advanced mathematics
Proof writing
Modeling
Programming
Statistics

People skills

Persistence
Creativity
Communication
Curiosity

All mathematician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

High pay
Deep intellectual work
Varied applications
Flexible schedules

Cons

Advanced degree needed
Small field
Abstract problems can stall
Desk-heavy

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D. in mathematics: Common for research.
Security clearance: For government roles.
Programming certificates: Helpful.
Actuarial exams: Optional path.

Career path

Research Assistant: Entry.
Mathematician: Research.
Senior Mathematician: Lead.
Research Director: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Mathematician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as turn a real problem into a math model and write a clear mathematical proof, safety and how to land your first job.

View Mathematician training Is this career right for me?

Statistician

Design studies and analyze data to answer questions in health, business and science.

$105,650
2 years after a bachelor’s

Actuary

Use math and statistics to measure risk and price insurance.

$130,000
Several years of exams while working

Data Scientist

Turn data into insights and predictions that guide decisions.

$120,230
4–6 years

Math Professor

Teach college math, from calculus to advanced theory.

$79,940
5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Compare: Mathematician vs. Statistician · Mathematician vs. Actuary · Mathematician vs. Data Scientist · Mathematician vs. Math Professor

Mathematician FAQ

Do mathematicians need a Ph.D.?

Often for research; some roles accept a master’s.

Who hires mathematicians?

Government, research labs, tech and finance.

Is the field small?

Yes, BLS counts a few thousand jobs.

How much does a mathematician make?

The median annual wage for mathematicians was $126,710 ($60.92 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $69,240 and the highest 10% earned more than $195,190.

How long does it take to become a mathematician?

Most people need about 2–6 years after a bachelor’s of training. A master’s degree or Ph.D. in mathematics is typical.

Do you need a degree to be a mathematician?

Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 15-2021 (Mathematicians).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Mathematicians (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.

Mathematician