How to become mathematicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$126,710

25th–75th pct. $88,570–$157,020

Top pay (est.)

$253,700

Top 10% $195,190

Pay in 5 years

$141,300est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$157,500est.

$135,500–$182,900

Outlook score

43/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

71%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+0.6%

100 openings / yr

How to become mathematicians

Typical education

Master's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Mathematicians

Key skills

Mathematics

6.0

Active Learning

5.1

Critical Thinking

5.0

Reading Comprehension

5.0

Complex Problem Solving

4.9

Writing

4.6

Science

4.5

Judgment and Decision Making

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mathematics

6.7

Computers and Electronics

5.0

Education and Training

4.8

Physics

4.2

English Language

4.0

Engineering and Technology

3.8

Administration and Management

2.5

Communications and Media

2.5

What the work involves

Thinking CreativelyAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationTraining and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Mathematical ReasoningOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionNumber FacilityDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Doctoral degree

45%

Master's degree

25%

Bachelor's degree

10%

Post-doctoral training

10%

Professional degree

Post-master's certificate

Training before entry

None / short demo

45%

6–12 months

20%

1–2 years

10%

2–4 years

10%

Over 10 years

4–10 years

Up to 1 month

Related work experience

2–4 years

30%

None

25%

1–2 years

15%

6–12 months

15%

4–6 years

10%

Over 10 years

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as mathematicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Civil Engineers Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.	$100,840	56/100	68%
2	Industrial Engineers Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.	$102,440	63/100	62%
3	Mechanical Engineers Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.	$104,110	62/100	62%
4	Electrical Engineers Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.	$120,630	61/100	69%
5	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health.	$103,410	64/100	63%
6	Engineers, All Other All engineers not listed separately.	$122,930	57/100	35%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.