The 16 Best Jobs for Undergraduates with Math Majors

So what are the best math jobs for a worker with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a master’s in computer science?  What career path pays the best and offers the best job security?  This article will address these questions and more.  Read on to learn more about the best jobs for math majors.

But first, the numbers say it all. The highest paying jobs in math can make over $50,000 more annually than the average worker as of May 2020.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics currently projects mathematics careers are on a 28% trajectory from 2020 until 2030, a much faster rate of growth than all occupations.  

Plus, in 2020, there were a recorded 442,200 jobs for computer and mathematics occupations alone.  That doesn’t include data science, engineering, technologist, and hard science jobs.  In a world run by numbers, math majors have nowhere to go but up.

Now, Read on and GetEducated!

ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Quick Facts About Math Major Careers | The Skills of a Mathematics Major | 3 Highest Paying Entry Level Jobs for Math Majors | The Best Jobs for Math Majors | Selling Your Math-Major Skills to Employers | Continuing Education for Math Majors | Launch Your Career in Mathematics Today!

Quick Facts About Math Major Careers

What skills are required in mathematics careers?

Working in a mathematics career can require skills in problem-solving and numerical aptitude, but today’s competitive marketplace asks for hard skills beyond just being good with numbers.

What math degrees are offered online?

Nearly every math major is available in an online format from colleges and universities across the US. Students may pursue online associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s and doctorate degrees in mathematics, statistics, education, technology, business, and more. Most jobs for math majors require at least a bachelor’s degree.

What are the best entry-level careers for math majors?

The top three entry-level jobs for math majors are database administration, financial analysis, and market research analysis. These careers all require bachelor’s degrees in math-related fields and offer impressive annual median salaries as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What kind of salary can you expect with a mathematics degree or computer science degree?

What kind of salary can you expect with a The highest-paying jobs for mathematicians can reach over $130,000 annually at the median. While not all mathematics occupations will reach such a high number, the BLS reports that mathematical occupations overall make more than the average career path, which is recorded at $41,950 as of May 2020.

Is there continuing education for math majors?

As in any science-related field, mathematics is always evolving. To continue growing in the field, consider searching for mathematics or computer science online certificates from accredited colleges and universities anywhere in the nation! Online schools offer the best options for working adults seeking to balance a career with continued education and personal life.

The Skills of a Mathematics Major

A math major’s resume should highlight employer-preferred skills. Through an associate, bachelor or master degree in mathematics and related fields, graduates will have more than enough to show potential employers. The most sought after math major skills in 2021 might include:

• Analytical thinking
• Quantitative reasoning
• Numerical aptitude

While these are spot-on qualities of the current or aspiring professional, other hard skills for math majors that should be considered while applying for math jobs include:

• Argumentation
• Communication
• Time management
• Mathematics language
• Complex reasoning
• Programming languages
• Machine learning

The best way to fine tune a wheelhouse of mathematics skills is to pursue a degree in the field. Consider your options from associate to bachelor degrees to get started in this career field.

Minors that Complement a Mathematics Degree

A math major can be accompanied by a supplemental minor. Choosing a minor can depend heavily upon career goals. Consider an economics minor if you are considering a career as a statistician. Pair a minor in information technology with a major in financial management to stay ahead of the curve as money flourishes in the digital age. Some popular minors for a math major include:

• Business
• Computer science
• Statistics
• Physics

Students may also choose to add a certificate in mathematics to their current degree, customizing their education and pinpointing particular career goals while still gaining a broad scope of the practice.

3 Highest Paying Entry Level Jobs for Math Majors

If you are fresh out of college and have little experience in the professional field, the following three careers are ideal entry-level pathways. Each of these jobs for math majors does not require more than a bachelor’s degree and almost never requires high levels of on-the-job training or previous work experience.

To make this list, we relied on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides expansive and consistent information on the job market.

Database Administrator

Avg. Salary: $98,860
Career Growth: 8%
Typical Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Database administrators utilize highly-specialized software to store, organize, and implement data. While computer skills tend to dominate the majority of this career, mathematical skills help make the database more effective and useful to an organization. There are no requirements for previous work experience or on-the-job training, but you will need additional education in computer science or IT, such as a minor in database technology. Consider an online master’s in database technologies for a leg up in the job market. With an expected growth of 8%, this is a career that will be around for quite some time.

Financial Analyst

Avg. Salary: $83,660
Career Growth: 6%
Typical Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Investment decisions can be complex and difficult to predict. To reduce risk and increase the chances of long-term financial benefits, companies and individuals often employ financial analysts. Financial analysts assess the performance of stocks, evaluate financial data, and study economic business trends. The ability to use math to enhance future success is crucial to this job. This math major career has no requirements for previous experience, and most companies will not require on-the-job training as long as you have an appropriate background, which can include, in addition to your math major, certain licenses and certifications. Consider a certificate in finance to accompany your mathematics degree.

Market Research Analyst

Avg. Salary: $65,810
Career Growth: 22%
Typical Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

If a company is going to invest in a product or service, they have to know whether there is a real market for that offering. The job of market research analysts is to make this determination. Using advanced methods and mathematics, they monitor the market, forecast sales trends, and measure the effectiveness of marketing programs. This job requires a bachelor’s degree in most cases, and there is rarely a requirement for advanced on-the-job training or previous experience. Also, it has an expected career growth of 22%, which means it’s one of the most stable careers available and one of the top entry-level jobs for math majors.

The Best Jobs for Math Majors

#1 Financial Manager

Average salary: $134,180
Projected Growth: 17%
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree

Businesses need to make financial decisions and need someone who can manage the details of stocks, bonds, taxes, interest, and many other mathematical issues that are involved in finances. The task can include financial reporting, directing investments, and financial planning.  This career calls for about five years of experience in finance-related fields, and there is often on-the-job training involved. The career is expected to grow by 17%, meaning there should be work for qualified candidates, and as the median salary is above $134,000, the top 10% can expect to earn more than $208,000 a year!

#2 Physicist

Average salary: $128,950
Projected Growth: 8%
Entry-level Education: Doctoral or professional degree

These highly advanced and educated professionals study how the universe works, which includes how matter and energy interact. From the nature of time to the behavior of electrons, physicists use some of the most complex mathematics to design and test critical theories. While a doctorate-level education is required for this career, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics is a great start. This career offers one of the best salaries for people with mathematical minds and education. At over $128,900, and the top 10% earning over $189,690, this is a highly lucrative career for math majors. With a career growth of 8%, this is a stable career for people who can keep up with complex mathematics.

#3 Information Research Scientist

Average salary: $126,830
Projected Growth: 22%
Entry-level Education: Master’s degree

Computing technology is always evolving, and it’s the responsibility of information research scientists to invent and design new ways of using these systems. The ability to solve complex problems, often using math as a foundation, is critical. This career calls for a master’s degree in computer science or a similar field, but a bachelor’s in mathematics, along with a computer-related minor, is a wonderful way to start your education. If you work your way to the top of this career, you can expect to earn over $194,000 a year, and with a career growth of 22%, this math major job is stable as well as lucrative.

#4 Actuary

Average salary: $111,030
Projected Growth: 24%
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree

This job is all about risk. Specifically, it’s about assessing risk vs financial costs to help businesses make decisions. Actuaries help companies make choices about many different aspects, including policies, prices, expenses, and more. The work can include compiling statistical information, estimating probability, and testing insurance policies. Although most of the work is done on computers, having a basic understanding of mathematics is essential for this career. The top actuaries in the country are poised to make over $196,010, and with a career growth of 24%, this is obviously one of the best jobs for math majors. With only a bachelor’s degree required, it’s also one you can start without extensive education beyond a four-year degree.

#5 Economist

Average salary: $108,350
Projected Growth: 13%
Entry-level Education: Master’s degree

These professionals use advanced analysis techniques to study the production and distribution of everything from education and environmental resources to business cycles, inflation, and more.  Earning a master’s degree in economics is the typical education required to become an economist, though some entry-level careers in government only require a bachelor’s.  Many economists also hold a Ph.D.  Economists are strong decision-makers with a knack for research and forecasting, as well as collaboration and writing, as findings are usually published in academic journals.  With its above average rate of projected growth, and it’s above average salary (the top 10% can earn over $198,000) economist is one of the best careers for math majors.

#6 Mathematician and Statistician

Average salary: $93,290
Projected Growth: 33%
Entry-level Education: Master’s degree

If any career is made for a math major, it’s the mathematician! This obvious career choice for anyone with an understanding and education in math brings responsibilities that include developing mathematical rules, deciding what data is needed for specific questions, and applying mathematical theories to different areas, such as science, engineering, or business. A mathematician has an excellent median salary, but the top 10% can earn around $170,150 annually. There is also an expected career growth of 33%, making it one of the fastest-growing fields that you can join.

#7 Operations Research Analyst

Average salary: $86,200
Projected Growth: 25%
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree

An operations research analyst performs many duties, but it’s best summed up as a career solving problems using math. In this career, you will identify problems, create mathematical equations to solve them, and use the information to inform policy makers and business leaders. When you work as an operations research analyst, you can expect a career that has a median salary of $86,200, but the top 10% earn over $144,330. With a 25% expected career growth, there is also a significant chance that you will be able to find work. With only a bachelor’s required, and generally no work experience or on-the-job training, you can often go from a four-year math degree into this career.

#8 Post-Secondary Teacher

Average salary: $80,560
Projected Growth: 12%
Entry-level Education: Master’s or Doctorate degree

If you are good with math and want to teach the next generation of mathematicians, actuaries, and financial analysts, then perhaps you should teach at the collegiate level. Post-secondary math teachers develop courses, plan lessons, and work with colleagues to create the best possible teaching plan that helps the next generation of mathematics students find careers in their respective fields with the tools and knowledge to succeed. Post-secondary teachers earn $80,500 per year, although this is for all postsecondary teachers, not just mathematics professors. The top 10%, however, can earn over $179,540 per year. With a 12% expected career growth, this is a career that will provide opportunities for many people.

#9 Budget Analyst

Average salary: $78,970
Projected Growth: 5%
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree

Are your finances organized? If you hire a budget analyst, they will be. Budget analysts work for businesses and organizations to prepare budgets, create financial reports, and plan spending. A large portion (24%) of budget analysts work for the federal government, but they are also found working for educational services, state governments, and professional services. A budget analyst can expect a median salary of $79,970, but if you work your way into the top 10%, you can expect a salary over $121,360. The growth is only 5%, which is lower than many of the mathematical-related careers, but still around the 5%-8% average for all jobs.

#10 Accountant and Auditor

Average salary: $73,560
Projected Growth: 7%
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree

Accountants may need special training and certifications, but a degree in math is a great start to this rewarding and consistent career. These professionals will examine financial statements, compute tax information, and organize financial records, and while they often work for governments, insurance companies, and independent offices, most will work for accounting and bookkeeping companies. The median pay for this career is over $73,000, but if you work your way into the top 10%, you can expect an annual salary over $128,680. Consider a master’s in accounting to advance job opportunities. At 7% expected growth, this is also a career that is expected to maintain steady growth over the next few years.

#11 Insurance Underwriter

Average salary: $71,790
Projected Growth: -2%
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree

How can an insurance company offer coverage that is profitable and sustainable? It all comes down to measuring statistical probability and costs of coverage. Obviously, this involves a lot of numbers and figures, making it a great career for people who understand mathematics. Insurance underwriters have a median annual salary of over $70,000, but the top 10% can earn over $129,550. Unfortunately, there will be a reduction in the total number of positions, driven largely by automated underwriting software, despite a likely increase in demand for health insurance services.

#12 Cost Estimator

Average salary: $66,610
Projected Growth: 1%
Entry-level Education: Bachelor’s degree

These professionals estimate the costs of certain projects for companies and organizations. They will collect and analyze data with the goal of figuring the time, materials, and labor, as well as the total financial costs, for many different industries. The job includes not only estimating the costs, but making recommendations for reducing total prices. This career has a strong median income, and the top 10% can expect to earn over $114,000 a year. At 1% expected growth, there is no or very little projected change in the coming years, due to the improvement of cost estimator software, so consider the advantage of adding an IT minor to a bachelor’s in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, etc. 

#13 Survey Researcher

Average salary: $59,870
Projected Growth: 4%
Entry-level Education: Master’s degree

Survey researchers are responsible for creating and implementing surveys, which means they not only need a creative, thoughtful mind, they also need a strong understanding of mathematical principles, which will help them analyze the data. This position generally requires a master’s degree, but a math major is one of the best starting points for this career field, which is one of the high-paying jobs for math majors. The master’s degree should be a combination of research methods, statistics, and social sciences.

Selling Your Math-Major Skills to Employers

Entering a highly competitive and challenging marketplace can be intimidating, but math major graduates have the advantage of college credentials to prove their skills and grow their careers.

If you are a math major seeking a career outside of the mathematical realm, your current skills are still highly employable and sought after.  Focus on how your skills can help an employer. 

For example, math majors are excellent at solving advanced problems. They not only know rigid mathematical concepts, they possess a flexible problem-solving mind that can help employers run a more effective company. Be sure to emphasize that your math major doesn’t just allow you to regurgitate math equations, but allows you to quickly create real solutions to problems others might find too difficult to solve.

Continuing Education for Math Majors

Math is not complete. Like biology or chemistry, humanity is always learning more about this discipline. All math majors, regardless of their specific careers, stay up to date on the latest advancements, which calls for continuing education all through any career. 

The highest paying jobs for math majors, for example, will require advanced education, which makes the path for continuing education obvious. A physicist, for example, needs to have a doctorate in physics to work in the career field. 

But what if you work in one of the entry level jobs for math majors? You will benefit by continuing education to stay at the top of your field. A database administrator, for example, will need to study the latest software and understand how it can be used to benefit their clients or employers. An accountant will need to recertify on a routine basis, which means they need to stay up-to-date on tax laws, accounting techniques, and mathematical principles behind money management. 

Continued education can encompass mathematics podcasts and journals, or finding local groups which practice mathematics or other areas of the field.  To stay up to date on some of the most popular peer-reviewed articles, career services, conferences, grants, and other resources, check out the American Mathematical Society, or, AMS.

Launch Your Career in Mathematics Today!

Whether you have graduated from an undergraduate math degree, are pursuing a graduate degree, or are still considering if math is the right career path for you, start with GetEducated for reliable, unbiased information about online degrees and certificates that can help you in this high-demand, lucrative career path.

Related Resources

How to Become a Data Scientist

Degrees in Science, Engineering, and Math

Best College Majors for Highest Paying Jobs