Jobs for Mathematics Majors

When students, graduates, and job seekers think of STEM careers, they often name careers in science, technology, and engineering. However, there is a wide range of rewarding, fulfilling careers in the field of mathematics. While some students and jobseekers might shy away from mathematics, do not let intimidation get in the way of seeking out one of the following interesting, attainable careers.

In fact, in the best-selling book, Overcoming Math Anxiety, by Sheila Tobias, math anxiety is discussed as an invented or imagined construct that hampers students from reaching their full potential.

Anyone can learn mathematics, and everyone’s expertise is needed in tackling the most complex problems of today and the future.

Financial analysts study trends in financial markets, analyze financial data, create models based on their analyses to inform organizational decision-making, and develop financial plans. Financial analysts are valuable members of their company and serve a key role in providing insights and quantitative data that inform key decision-makers and allow the company to make the best moves for its bottom line.

The demand for these professionals increases during periods of economic growth and positive market trends, but there is an overall steady growth for these positions as companies grow and strategize.

Another point to consider is that medium to large companies need financial analysts for their insights, allowing for a large smattering of jobs across all geographic areas. Depending on the company, these roles can also be held partially or entirely remotely. A financial analyst has a median salary of $83,000, with the highest 25 percent of analysts making an average of $112,460. An entrylevel salary for these positions is around $60,000.

Are you a math major looking to join the healthcare, medical, or research education industries?

Consider a career as a biostatistician. These data science professionals work with large amounts of medical data and research studies in medicine and public health. Biostatisticians are already in demand with significant predicted growth, in part due to the societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A biostatistician conducts research, analyzes data, calculates summary statistics, evaluates and interprets the results of statistical modeling, and interprets visual presentations of statistical data. All these skills lead to solving specific problems in the biostatistician setting, such as a hospital or pharmaceutical company.

Biostatisticians earn an average of $75,000 with a bachelor’s degree, $90,000 with a master’s degree, and $105,000 with a doctorate degree. More experienced biostatisticians who take on leadership roles can make over $200,000 per year.

An actuary is another career steeped in mathematics with stable job growth and competitive salaries. These professionals use mathematics and data analysis to design and analyze financial plans and determine financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use financial theories and models to assess the risk of possible events and inform management of their results in order to inform decisionmaking.

Actuaries work for financial firms, corporations, government agencies, market research groups, and often a variety of insurance companies. Actuaries must take large amounts of statistical and financial data, analyze it, draw conclusions, and present their findings to other stakeholders.

Actuaries have a median salary of $111,000, with the lowest 25 percent earning an average of $83,000 and the highest 25 percent earning an average of $151,000 per year. Actuaries need to hold a bachelor’s degree and then pass a series of exams for certification.

There are many more careers that rely heavily on math expertise with similar degree requirements and competitive salary ranges. Do not let math anxiety discourage you. Anyone can learn math; it takes perseverance and a time commitment, but the payoff is worth it!