How Much Does a Mathematician Make?
Mathematicians made a median salary of $101,900 in 2018. The best-paid 25 percent made $126,070 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $73,490.
Getting your foot in the door of your dream job can be a challenge. These tips and advice will help you with your application process and interview, as well as who you should be networking with to break into the field. This expert advice also delves into what a typical day in the life of this profession is like.
How to get a Job as a Mathematician
As for when to network during one’s academic career, Porter says, “It is very good to put yourself out there early in the process. Align yourself with companies that may need mathematical support.” She says aspiring mathematicians should seek internships, even if one needs to find grant funding, and bring it to a position.
Job Satisfaction
Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have a job that’s enjoyable and a career that’s fulfilling. A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. Here’s how Mathematicians job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility.
Upward Mobility
Opportunities for advancements and salary
Stress Level
Work environment and complexities of the job’s responsibilities
Flexibility
Alternative working schedule and work life balance
What is the Job Like?
According to the BLS, most mathematicians are employed under the federal government or private scientific and engineering research and development companies. Mathematicians can work individually or team up with engineers, scientists and computer scientists on various projects. No matter who a mathematician works with, the job can be hectic, and his or her schedule may fill up quickly due to deadlines and hurried requests for data and analysis. Porter says limiting work hours is important. “The key is being at work and being focused on what you’re enjoying at work, for small periods of time,” she says, adding that she works no more than 40 hours a week so that she also has time to focus on other interests.
