Computer & Mathematical
Mathematicians
Also called: Agent-Based Modeler, Computational Mathematician, Computational Scientist, Cryptographer
US median pay
$126,710
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+0.6%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
100
2,200 employed
Typical entry education
Master's degree
Preparation 5/5 · Extensive preparation
What this job is
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 they do 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.
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Complex Problem Solving4.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Systems Evaluation3.0/5
- Systems Analysis3.0/5
- Instructing3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
- Time Management2.8/5
Knowledge
- 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
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): Master's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Doctoral degree45%
- Master's degree25%
- Post-doctoral training10%
Who this job suits
Mostly Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.