Mathematicians

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.

Most important skills

Mathematics
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Judgment and Decision Making
Writing
Science

Key knowledge

Mathematics
Education and Training
Computers and Electronics
English Language
Physics
Engineering and Technology
Communications and Media
Administration and Management

What the work involves

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.
Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.

Strongest interest areas (O*NET): Investigative, Conventional, Artistic.

Qualifications and licensing

Most common education: Doctoral Degree (45% of respondents)
Related experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
On-the-job training: None or short demonstration (35%)
Preparation level: O*NET job zone 5: Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Licensing: Not yet verified. Check your state licensing board.

Check before planning

Licensing for Mathematicians is not yet verified for any state: check the state licensing board before planning.

Limits

Distributions show what current workers or occupational experts report, not legal minimums.
Requirements vary by employer and state; time to qualify is not estimated.

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections · dataset 2026.10.8 · method e3-qualification-1.0.0

Work environment

How the typical conditions of this occupation compare with 911 occupations in O*NET (very low = the lowest fifth).

Levels are relative. Most occupations involve a lot of contact with people, for example, so “very low” can still mean regular contact; the last column shows what workers actually reported.

Rankings compare typical U.S. occupation-level work conditions; individual jobs and employers vary. Data: O*NET 31.0 Work Context and BLS wages (May 2025).
Condition	Level	Compared with other occupations	Most common answer (O*NET survey)
Contact with others	Very low	Lower on contact with others than 97% of occupations compared	30% of surveyed respondents chose “Contact with others about half the time”
Dealing with the public	Very low	Lower on dealing with the public than 93% of occupations compared	50% of surveyed respondents chose “Not important at all”
Teamwork	Very low	Lower on teamwork than 92% of occupations compared	39% of surveyed respondents chose “Very important”
Freedom to make decisions	Very high	Higher on freedom to make decisions than 80% of occupations compared	65% of surveyed respondents chose “A lot of freedom”
Time pressure	Very low	Lower on time pressure than 91% of occupations compared	35% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a month or more but not every week”
Conflict situations	Very low	Lower on conflict situations than 97% of occupations compared	55% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people	Very low	Lower on dealing with unpleasant or angry people than 91% of occupations compared	40% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Consequence of error	Very low	Lower on consequence of error than 84% of occupations compared	32% of surveyed respondents chose “Not serious at all”

Work-pressure profile

Time pressure: very low
Conflict situations: very low
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people: very low
Consequence of error: very low

Each part is shown on its own. There is no combined stress score, and conditions vary by employer and role.

Full answer distributions