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Alamo Colleges DistrictCareer Explorer

Mathematicians

Part of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, in the Science and Mathematics pathway.

Job zone 5: extensive preparationO*NET 15-2021.00

What the work 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.

On a typical day

  • Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
  • Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.
  • Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
  • Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
  • Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
  • Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.

What it pays

$126,710
Median pay per year, United States (no San Antonio figure published)
New workers start near $69,240
Experienced workers reach $195,190
  1. $69k10th
  2. $89k25th
  3. $127kMedian
  4. $157k75th
  5. $195k90th
Wage percentiles: 10th $69,240, 25th $88,570, Median $126,710, 75th $157,020, 90th $195,190

Job outlook

U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.

-1%

U.S. employment change

100

openings a year nationwide, from growth and people leaving

2,400

employed nationwide in 2024

Typical entry education: Master's degree

Skills this career uses

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

  1. Mathematics6.0
  2. Critical Thinking5.1
  3. Complex Problem Solving4.9
  4. Active Learning5.3
  5. Reading Comprehension5.0
  6. Science4.6
  7. Writing4.5
  8. Judgment and Decision Making4.3

Education people in this job have

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

  1. Bachelor's degree17%
  2. Master's degree25%
  3. Doctoral or professional58%

Job zone 5, extensive preparation: A graduate or professional degree, usually after a bachelor's.

Alamo programs that lead here

  • Northeast Lakeview
  • Northwest Vista
  • Palo Alto
  • St. Philip's
  • San Antonio
  1. Mathematics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  2. DEV MATH

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  3. Mathematics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  4. Mathematics

    Degree · Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  5. Mathematics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

  6. Mathematics

    Transfer pre-major · Science & Technology

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