Education & Library
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Also called: Adjunct Mathematics Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Instructor
US median pay
$79,940
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,900
57,100 employed
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
What they do day to day
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Keep abreast of developments and technological advances in the mathematical field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Instructing4.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.6/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Systems Evaluation3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
Knowledge
- Mathematics4.9/5
- Education and Training4.2/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
- Administration and Management2.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 5 of 5 — Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree (master's, PhD, MD, JD) and extensive experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Doctoral or professional degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Master's degree43%
- Doctoral degree37%
- Post-doctoral training10%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.