Mathematicians
SOC code 15-2021 · O*NET-SOC 15-2021.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Computer and IT
Mathematicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$126,710
a year
Hourly
$60.92
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$129,260
$62.15 per hour
Middle 50%
$88,570 – $157,020
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$69,240 – $195,190
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
2,030
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $69,240
- $33.29/hr
- 25th percentile
- $88,570
- $42.58/hr
- Median percentile
- $126,710
- $60.92/hr
- 75th percentile
- $157,020
- $75.49/hr
- 90th percentile
- $195,190
- $93.84/hr
What does a mathematician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become a mathematician
Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 45% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Doctoral Degree45%
- Master's Degree25%
- Bachelor's Degree10%
- Post-Doctoral Training10%
Common questions
How much does a mathematician earn?
The national median is $126,710 a year. The full range runs from $69,240 at the 10th percentile to $195,190 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a mathematician without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Mathematics5.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Learning4.0/5
- Writing3.6/5
- Science3.6/5
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Speaking3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics4.8/5
- Education and Training3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Physics3.0/5
- Engineering and Technology2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.