How to Become a Mathematician or Statistician in 2024
Mathematicians and statisticians usually require a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. However, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree.
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Educate
Students interested in becoming mathematicians or statisticians should take as many math courses as possible in high school.
For federal jobs, candidates need at least a bachelor’s degree or significant math coursework. In the private sector, mathematicians typically require a master’s or Ph.D.; statisticians usually require a master’s degree, but some entry-level positions may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Most colleges and universities have a bachelor’s degree program in mathematics. Courses typically include calculus, differential equations, and linear and abstract algebra.
Mathematics students often also take courses in related fields, such as computer science, physics, or statistics.
Many universities offer master’s and doctorates in theoretical or applied mathematics. Students who earn a Ph.D. can work as mathematics professors at a college or university.
Statisticians typically require a master’s degree, but some entry-level positions may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Students majoring in statistics can also take courses in other fields, such as computer science, life sciences, or physical sciences. These courses prepare students to work in a variety of industries.
For example, biology, chemistry, or health science courses can be used to test pharmaceuticals or agricultural products. Physics may be helpful to statisticians working on quality improvement in manufacturing.
Progress
Mathematicians and statisticians may be promoted to senior mathematicians or statisticians or hold other management positions. Some advancement opportunities may require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Important qualities
Skills of analysis. Mathematicians and statisticians use mathematical techniques and models to evaluate large amounts of data.
Communication skills. Mathematicians and statisticians must be able to explain technical concepts and solutions in a non-technical way.
Logical thinking ability. Mathematicians and statisticians must understand and use computer programming languages to design and develop models and analyze data.
Math skills. Mathematicians and statisticians use statistics, calculus, and linear algebra to develop their models and analyses.
Ability to solve problems. Mathematicians and statisticians must devise solutions to problems encountered in science, engineering, and other fields.
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Job prospect
Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
On average, about 5,200 jobs for mathematicians and statisticians are expected to open yearly over the past decade. Many of these vacancies are expected to be due to the need to replace workers who move to a different occupation or exit the workforce (e.g., retire).
Employment
Employment growth for statisticians is expected to come from the broader use of statistical analysis to inform business, health care, and policy decisions.
The amount of data stored digitally will increase over the next decade as more people and companies conduct business online and use social media, smartphones, and other mobile devices.
As a result, businesses will increasingly need statisticians to analyze the vast amounts of information and data collected.
Statistical analysis will help companies improve business processes, design and develop new products, and advertise products to potential customers.
Many new jobs for statisticians are expected to include research and development, consulting, computer systems design, and related services.
Much of the job growth for mathematicians is expected to come from research-based roles in academia, R&D, and consulting services.
Pay
Through May 2021, the median annual salary for mathematicians is $108,100. The median wage is the wage in which half of the workers in an occupation earn more than that amount and the other half earn less. The bottom 10% earned less than $61,760, while the top 10% earned more than $169,500.
In May 2021, the median annual salary for statisticians was $95,570. The bottom 10% earned less than $49,350, and the top 10% earned more than $157,300.
In May 2021, the median annual salaries for mathematicians in the top industries they work in were as follows:
- Professional, scientific and technical services $129,800
- Federal Government 115,610
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private 61,600
The median annual salaries for statisticians in the top industries in which they worked in May 2021 are as follows:
- R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences $114,770
- Federal Government 114,050
- Insurance companies and related activities 83,820
- Health care and social assistance 79,060
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private 77,750
Most mathematicians and statisticians work full-time. Deadlines and last-minute requests for data or analytics may require overtime. Additionally, these workers may travel for seminars and conferences.
