Mathematicians study numbers and develop theories and principles by discovering relationships between them. Much of their work is used to solve engineering, business, economic and computer problems. They typically work in comfortable, air-conditioned offices with other scientists, or in classrooms as part of university faculty. While they may have access to computers and other calculating devices, most use old-fashioned blackboards or whiteboards to calculate equations.
Types
There are two types of mathematicians, though their work often overlaps. Theoretical mathematicians expand on basic knowledge without necessarily finding its practical uses. Many work for colleges, combining both teaching and research. Applied mathematicians solve practical problems with mathematical principles and often work for business, industry or government. As of May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that both types earn a median $93,580 per year, with a low of $50,960 and a high of $142,460.
Related Jobs
Other positions use mathematics heavily. Actuaries analyze statistical data to predict risk and payouts, primarily for the insurance industry. They earn a median $87,210. Statisticians collect and analyze numerical data and turn it into information useful for other fields such as business or agriculture. They earn a median $72,820. Economists study supply and demand chains such as labor, natural resources, machinery, sales and production to forecast trends in business, inflation, employment, interest rates and the costs of goods and services. Their median annual wage is $86,930.
Education
Mathematicians working in private industry require at least a Ph.D., since they often work in research laboratories as part of technical teams. Entry-level jobs in the federal government require at least a bachelor's degree, while businesses typically require a master's degree or higher. Many educational programs encourage math students to double-up on courses related to the field, such as computers, economics or engineering. This makes them more desirable to employers, since many math majors in business work in related fields.
Outlook
The BLS predicts mathematician jobs to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than average for all jobs. Advancing technology will drive this growth since it requires applied math. Computer software development, operations research and financial analysis are just some of the fields that are expected to grow. Job competition will be strong, however, since at 2,770 total jobs, the field is small. Those with a strong background in related fields will find the best opportunities.
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