Mathematician
Mathematicians conduct research in fundamental mathematics or apply mathematical techniques to solve practical problems in science, engineering, business, and government. They develop computational methods, mathematical models, and statistical theories. The BLS reports a median salary of $112,110 with 31% projected growth through 2032, driven by demand in data science, cryptography, and quantitative finance.
A Day in the Life
A typical day begins by reviewing proofs and working through a theorem related to algebraic topology. Mid-morning involves coding a numerical simulation in Python to validate a theoretical model. After lunch, the mathematician meets with a research collaborator to discuss progress on a joint paper. Late afternoon includes reviewing a graduate student's work, attending a departmental seminar on machine learning theory, and reading recent publications in their specialty area.
Key Stats
Education
Doctoral Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $65,000
Median: $112,110
Senior: $166,000
Job Growth