Job Benefits for a Mathematician
Mathematicians employ their skills in one of the oldest of the fundamental sciences to solve problems that affect all facets of life, from the theoretical to the practical. They work in a variety of professional settings that include education, business and government, specializing in either applied mathematics or theoretical mathematics. Most mathematician jobs require a doctorate, and the benefits typically are commensurate with the required skills and education.
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Income
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Mathematicians were among the most highly educated professionals in the United States as of May 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mean annual income for mathematicians across the country was $100,260. The top 10 percent of mathematicians earned in excess of $153,620 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $52,850 per year. The middle 50 percent earned annual wages of between $70,370 and $120,590.
Employment Outlook
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The employment outlook for mathematicians should be robust at least through 2018, according to the BLS which projects an increase in new job opportunities for mathematicians of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018 – which is a much faster rate of growth than the average for all occupations. Candidates who hold a doctorate in mathematics in addition to a strong background in a related discipline, such as engineering or computer technology, should have the greatest employment opportunities.
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Employment Variety
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Individuals with a strong background in mathematics have employment options in a wide variety of fields, including government service and industrial, research and educational fields. The Mathematical Association of America notes that the three best jobs in America, as reported by "The Wall Street Journal" in 2009, were mathematician, actuary and statistician. These math-based positions were chosen based on a combination of factors that included high pay and favorable working conditions. Mathematicians may move into such fields as electrical engineering, surveying, physics, actuarial science, business management, computing, law, military service and academia.
Work Environment
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Mathematicians typically work in comfortable office facilities, according to the BLS. Some work in close collaboration with other mathematicians and scientists from other disciplines, which can stimulate their research, while others work alone. The nature of the mathematician job may be conductive to telecommuting. "The Wall Street Journal" report notes mathematicians tend to work in environments that are free from excess noise and other distracting elements.
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References
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