How much does a mathematician make?

The median pay is $60.92 per hour — roughly $126,500 a year, with the real range running from about $33.29/hr (10th percentile) to $93.84/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a mathematician?

The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a mathematician actually do all day?

Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols. Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences. Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.

Computing & IT

Mathematicians

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.

What it pays
Mathematicians earn a median of $60.92/hr — about $126,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $33.29/hr; the top 10% earn $93.84/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of mathematicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, organized and detail-focused and creative.

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Quick questions

How much does a mathematician make?: The median pay is $60.92 per hour — roughly $126,500 a year, with the real range running from about $33.29/hr (10th percentile) to $93.84/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a mathematician?: The typical entry-level education is: Master's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
What does a mathematician actually do all day?: Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols. Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences. Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.

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