Mathematicians
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.
Also called: Agent-Based Modeler · Computational Mathematician · Computational Scientist · Cryptographer · Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst · Mathematician
Median pay (national)
$121,680
$63,430–$187,660 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
2,220
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-0.7%
~100 openings/yr
Typical entry
Master's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for mathematicians shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $187,660 versus $63,430 at the bottom 10% — 3.0x. The median of $121,680 leaves roughly 54% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -0.7% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 13 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $154,480, +27% vs the national median), while Michigan sits lowest at $63,430 — a 144% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Atlassian JIRA, C, C#, C++ as in-demand technologies for this role.
Tailor your resume to Mathematicians
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Mathematicians
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Science
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
Tools & technology
- Atlassian JIRA
- C
- C#
- C++
- Chatbot software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Perforce software
- Python
- R
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Version control software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Bash
- Cascading style sheets CSS
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- Communications and Media
- Administration and Management