Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Mathematicians and statisticians typically need at least a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. However, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree. PayThe median annual wage for mathematicians was $126,710 in May 2025.The median annual wage for statisticians was $105,650 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mathematicians and statisticians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mathematicians and statisticians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mathematicians and statisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for mathematicians was $126,710 in May 2025.The median annual wage for statisticians was $105,650 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mathematicians and statisticians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mathematicians and statisticians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mathematicians and statisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mathematicians and statisticians. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mathematicians and statisticians with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about mathematicians and statisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.
Work Environment
The top employers of mathematicians and statisticians are the federal government and scientific research and development companies. Mathematicians and statisticians may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other specialists.
How to Become a Mathematician or Statistician
Mathematicians and statisticians typically need at least a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. However, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for mathematicians was $126,710 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for statisticians was $105,650 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,000 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mathematicians and statisticians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mathematicians and statisticians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mathematicians and statisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
The top employers of mathematicians and statisticians are the federal government and scientific research and development companies. Mathematicians and statisticians may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other specialists.
How to Become a Mathematician or Statistician
Mathematicians and statisticians typically need at least a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics. However, some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for mathematicians was $126,710 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for statisticians was $105,650 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,000 openings for mathematicians and statisticians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mathematicians and statisticians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mathematicians and statisticians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mathematicians and statisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for mathematicians and statisticians.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of mathematicians and statisticians with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about mathematicians and statisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about mathematicians and statisticians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.