Mathematician

What a Mathematician Does

Mathematicians provide significant support to a number of industries, from the government to computers and technology to business to engineering to economics. They combine theoretical principles with technical skills and problem-solving strategies in their work, and although there are two categories of mathematics -- theoretical and applied -- most mathematicians use both in their careers. Theoretical mathematicians spend more time on research and solving complicated math theories, principles and proposals. They often work as teachers as a supplement to their research. Applied mathematicians also conduct research but their focus is usually to solve real-world problems for companies, governments, engineering projects and related fields. Depending on their specialty and sub-discipline, mathematicians may use more statistics, computer science or physical sciences in their work. They collaborate with people from all kinds of industries and professional backgrounds, so an ability to communicate their technical skills and research is important.

How to Become a Mathematician

Mathematicians usually need a graduate degree to find a good job. Ph.D.s are often required for research jobs in labs, though sometimes a master's degree is accepted. For mathematicians who want to work with the federal government, a bachelor's degree is usually sufficient, as long as the majority of your coursework involved mathematics. To become a primary or secondary teacher, a bachelor's degree plus teacher certification is required. If you are going to complete a graduate degree in mathematics, your undergraduate program does not have to be in the field, but taking a lot of math courses is a good idea if you want to be well-prepared and have a good chance of getting into school. Computer science, statistics, finance, economics and the physical sciences are all good bachelor's degree programs for those who want to earn a master's or Ph.D. in mathematics, especially if you want to focus in one particular industry once you start looking for work. Getting a double graduate degree in mathematics and another field would make you extremely competitive in the workforce.

Career Outlook for Mathematicians

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects solid job growth for mathematicians through 2018. Mathematicians mostly worked in research labs, but postsecondary math teachers held 54,800 jobs, vs 2,900 mathematician jobs in 2008. Mathematicians should expect a 22% increase in job growth through 2018, which amounts to about 700 new jobs. This rate is much higher than the national average for all other occupations, and favors mathematicians with Ph.D.s and some education or experience in another field the most. Those who choose to focus in applied mathematics will also have the strongest job prospects. In 2008, mathematicians earned a median annual salary of $95,150, and the middle 50% earned between $71,430 and $119,480. Mathematicians and mathematical statisticians working for the federal government earned around $107,051 in 2008.