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Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve or direct solutions to problems in various fields by mathematical methods.
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Employment of mathematicians is expected to grow as fast as the average. However, keen competition for jobs is expected.
Employment change. Employment of mathematicians is expected to increase by 10 percent during the 2006–16 decade, as fast as the average for all occupations. Advancements in technology usually lead to expanding applications of mathematics, and more workers with knowledge of mathematics will be required in the future. However, jobs in industry and government often require advanced knowledge of related scientific disciplines in addition to mathematics. The most common fields in which mathematicians study and find work are computer science and software development, physics, engineering, and operations research. More mathematicians also are becoming involved in financial analysis.
Job prospects. Job competition will remain keen because employment in this occupation is relatively small and few new jobs are expected. Master's degree and Ph.D. holders with a strong background in mathematics and a related discipline, such as engineering or computer science, and who apply mathematical theory to real-world problems will have the best job prospects in related occupations.
Holders of a master's degree in mathematics will face very strong competition for jobs in theoretical research. Because the number of Ph.D. degrees awarded in mathematics continues to exceed the number of available university positions—especially those that are tenure tracked—many graduates will need to find employment in industry and government.
Additionally, employment in theoretical mathematical research is sensitive to general economic fluctuations and to changes in government spending. Job prospects will be greatly influenced by changes in public and private funding for research and development.
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Mathematicians held about 3,000 jobs in 2006. Many people with mathematical backgrounds also worked in other occupations. For example, there were about 54,000 jobs as postsecondary mathematical science teachers in 2006.
Many mathematicians work for Federal or State governments. The U.S. Department of Defense is the primary Federal employer, accounting for about 37 percent of the mathematicians employed by the Federal Government. Many of the other mathematicians employed by the Federal Government work for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In the private sector, major employers include scientific research and development services and management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Some mathematicians also work for software publishers, insurance companies, and in aerospace or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising or managing
the activities of others. Very advanced communication and organization skills
are required.
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Overall Experience
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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 medical school and up to an additional five to seven
years of specialized medical training to do their job.
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Education
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At a minimum, a bachelor's degree is required for these occupations. However,
many also require a graduate school degree such as a Master's, Ph.D., M.D., or
J.D. (law degree).
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Job Training
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Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations
require that you already have the necessary skills, knowledge, work-related
experience, and/or training.
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Examples
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Lawyers, instrumental musicians, physicists, counseling psychologists, and surgeons.
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For more information about careers and training in mathematics, especially for doctoral-level employment, contact:
- American Mathematical Society, 201 Charles St., Providence, RI 02904-2294. Internet: http://www.ams.org
For specific information on careers in applied mathematics, contact:
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, 3600 University City Science Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2688. Internet: http://www.siam.org
Information on obtaining positions as mathematicians with the Federal Government is available from the Office of Personnel Management through USAJOBS, the Federal Government's official employment information system. This resource for locating and applying for job opportunities can be accessed through the Internet at http://www.usajobs.gov or through an interactive voice response telephone system at (703) 724-1850 or TDD (978) 461-8404. These numbers are not toll free, and charges may result.
For advice on how to find and apply for Federal jobs, see the Occupational Outlook Quarterly article "How to get a job in the Federal Government," online at http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2004/summer/art01.pdf.
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Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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