Obtaining your degree in mathematics doesn’t mean that you’re limited to working as a mathematician. In fact, mathematics majors can take their pick from an array of diverse career paths. Many positions in these fields are in high demand. Learn about the most popular careers for mathematics majors to more easily find the career path that’s right for you.
1. Actuary
Actuaries, or actuarial scientists, apply it to the world of finance their knowledge about:
- finance
- statistics
- business
They most commonly work in the insurance field, but they can easily find jobs in many other industries, too. These professionals help their employers plan for the future and help protect them from losses. They accomplish this by using numbers to evaluate the likelihood of future events. They take what they know to reduce the odds of undesirable events and to reduce the impact of such events should they occur. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an actuary in 2015 was $97,070 per year. The field is expected to grow by 18 percent between 2014 and 2024.
2. Statistician
Statisticians can find jobs in:
- business
- medicine
- education
- law
- government
- agriculture
They provide guidance about whether information is reliable or not and which predictions should be trusted. With a bachelor’s degree, you can typically find work with the federal government. If you’d like to work in research or academia, however, a PhD is usually required. According to the BLS, the median pay for a statistician in 2015 was $80,100, and the field is expected to grow by 34 percent over the next decade.
3. Market Research Analyst
If you’re interested in marketing and want to find a way to apply your math skills and credentials to the field, consider working as a market research analyst. These professionals collect information about what people think to assist their employers in marketing to them more effectively. Needless to say, their contributions are extremely valuable. In 2015, the median pay for market research analysts was $62,150.
4. Math Teacher
If you enjoying teaching, pursuing a career as a math teacher in grades kindergarten through 12 is always a viable option. There are lots of perks to working as a teacher, including the fact that you usually get your summers off. Of course, it helps to enjoy working with young people. The median annual salary for high school teachers in 2015 was $57,200, so this isn’t the most lucrative field. However, the work is very rewarding, and teachers are in high demand.
5. Biomathematician
As a biomathematician, you will apply your knowledge of mathematics to various scientific fields and disciplines. Professionals in this field use math tools and techniques to model biological and natural processes. Popular examples of positions in this field include:
- hydrologist
- environmental scientist
- geoscientist
- forensic scientist
If you are curious about the natural world and want to make sense of it with numbers, this may be the career for you. According to the BLS, the median annual pay for geoscientists in 2015 was $89,700. The field is expected to grow by 10 percent over the next 10 years. Hydrologists’ median pay in 2015 was $79,550, and the field is projected to grow by 7 percent over the next decade.
Related Resource: 20 Best Deals on Small Colleges for STEM
As you can see, you won’t back yourself into a corner by earning a mathematics degree. In fact, you will be able to choose from an eclectic array of career paths. The earlier that you decide on one, the easier it will be to get there.