13 Top Careers in Math: Roles, Salaries, and Industry Demand
Math skills open the door to careers across many industries, from finance and technology to healthcare, data science, insurance, and public policy. Careers in mathematics require strong quantitative skills to analyze data, solve complex problems, and support smart decision-making.
By pairing strong math skills with a flexible, competency-based education, adult learners can build career-ready expertise that transfers across industries. Math-based careers often combine analytical problem-solving with real-world impact, offering both stability and growth.
Below, we explore 13 high-opportunity mathematics-based careers, highlighting typical responsibilities, education requirements, salary expectations, and projected demand.
1. Actuary
Actuaries play a key role in the insurance and financial sectors by helping organizations understand and manage risk. They use statistics and financial theory to guide strategic business decisions for insurance policies, pensions, and investments. A career as an actuary is ideal for problem-solvers with advanced math abilities and strong analytical skills.
Most actuaries follow a structured path that includes:
- A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, finance, or actuarial science
- Passing a series of professional actuarial exams and certifications
- Progressing through two main certification levels: associate and fellowship
Patience and hard work pay off in this field, with career opportunities and strong earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), actuaries earned an average annual salary of $125,770 in 2024, with a projected 22% job growth from 2024 to 2034.
2. Auditor Accountant
Auditors ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and integrity in business reporting. They examine financial records, assess risk management, identify fraud and discrepancies, and prepare reports for internal and external audits. A career as an auditor is best for detail-oriented professionals with the ability to uphold financial integrity and ensure adherence to the highest standards.
Becoming an auditor typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
- Optional professional credentials such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Strong skills in auditing, accounting principles, and compliance
Auditors work in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. According to the BLS, accountants earned an average annual salary of $81,680 as of May 2024, with projected job growth of 5% from 2024 to 2034.
3. Budget Analyst
Budget analysts help organizations plan, structure, and allocate financial resources. They evaluate proposals, recommend changes, redistribute funds, and prepare reports to support organizational success. A budget analyst career is ideal for professionals with a knack for financial planning, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.
Becoming a budget analyst typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business management
- Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
- Experience with budgeting software and financial reporting tools
Budget analysts can work in government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. According to the BLS, the average annual salary is $87,930 as of May 2024, with around 3,100 job openings each year from 2024 to 2034.
4. Data Research Analyst
Data research analysts help organizations make sense of complex information by collecting, interpreting, and reporting on data to support business decisions. They use statistical tools to analyze datasets, build dashboards, and prepare reports that guide strategy. A data research analyst career is ideal for problem-solvers with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Becoming a data research analyst typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, data analytics, or a related field
- Experience working with statistical software and data tools
- Knowledge of programming languages such as SQL or Python
Data research analysts are in demand across data-driven industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and research. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a data analyst in 2026 is $70,011. The BLS projects the overall occupation of research analysts to grow by 21% from 2024 to 2034, with around 9,600 job openings each year.
5. Data Scientist
Data scientists build predictive models and uncover insights from complex data, often incorporating machine learning and advanced analytics. This career is ideal for analytical thinkers with strong math, programming, and problem-solving skills.
Becoming a data scientist typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in data analytics, computer science, or mathematics
- Advanced coursework in statistics, linear algebra, calculus, probability, and programming
- Experience with data tools and coding languages such as Python, R, SQL, or Java
- An advanced degree for specialization and career advancement
Data scientists work across industries including finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and government. Under the umbrella category of computer and information research scientists as reported by the BLS, this career field is projected to grow by 20% from 2024 to 2034 and had an average annual salary of $140,910 as of May 2024.
6. Economist
Economists analyze local, national, and global economies to understand and forecast trends to make informed business decisions in the public and private sector. They use mathematical and statistical models to evaluate inflation, trade, energy costs, exchange rates, employment levels, and market behavior. An economist career is well suited for analytical thinkers with a talent for understanding complex economic data.
Becoming an economist typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in business management, mathematics, economics or a related field.
- An advanced degree like a master’s in finance, accounting, data analytics, or a master’s of business administration (MBA) for higher level roles
- Strong skills in calculus, statistics, and econometrics
Economists work in corporations, consulting firms, research organizations, and government agencies. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for economists was $115,730 as of May 2024, with about 900 job openings for economists projected each year from 2024 to 2034.
7. Financial Analyst / Investment Analyst
Financial and investment analysts use financial data and quantitative models to analyze market trends, assess investment opportunities, evaluate risk, project company performance, and support strategic planning. A financial analyst career is ideal for critical thinkers who enjoy turning complex data into actionable insights.
Becoming a financial analyst typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in finance, mathematics, business management, or a related field
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
- Continuing education or certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Financial analysts work across industries including banking, corporate finance, government, and investment firms. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for financial analysts is $101,350 as of May 2024, with a projected job growth of 6% from 2024 to 2034
8. Inventory Control Specialist / Cost Estimator
Inventory control specialists oversee supply chains, manage deliveries, and maintain inventory records to ensure efficient operations and accurate stock management. This career is ideal for detail-oriented professionals who enjoy supply chain and logistics, problem-solving, and optimizing business processes.
Becoming an inventory control specialist typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in supply chain and operations management, accounting, logistics, or business management
- Strong skills in data tracking, reporting, and inventory management software
- Knowledge of supply chain processes and operational efficiency principles
Inventory control specialists work in warehouses, distribution centers, and corporate supply chain departments. Career progression may include supply chain specialist, inventory control specialists, or logistics analyst roles. ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $42,638 for inventory control specialists as of January 2026.
9. Math Teacher
Math teachers help students understand mathematical concepts and the connections between abstract ideas and real-world problems. A career as a math teacher is ideal for professionals who are patient, detail-oriented, and passionate about teaching.
Becoming a math teacher typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in education, mathematics, or a related field
- Completion of student teaching or classroom experience
- State-specific teaching certification or licensure
- A master’s degree in mathematics education
Math teachers can work at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Salaries and job outlook for math teachers vary based on grade level, location, school type, experience, education, and other factors.
10. Meteorologist / Physical Scientist
Meteorologists and physical scientists use advanced math and computational models to study and predict changes in the natural world, including weather patterns, environmental trends, and the development of new materials. This career is ideal for professionals with strong analytical skills, a love of problem-solving, and an interest in the natural sciences.
Becoming a meteorologist or physical scientist typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in meteorology, physics, environmental science, or a related field
- Proficiency in calculus, differential equations, statistical modeling, and data analysis tools
- Advanced roles may require a master’s degree or PhD
Meteorologists and physical scientists work for government agencies, research organizations, and private companies. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for a meteorologist is $94,570 as of May 2024, with about 700 jobs projected each year from 2024 to 2034.
11. Risk Analyst
Risk analysts use data and quantitative models to identify, measure, and reduce risks across business operations. This career is ideal for detail-oriented thinkers with strong analytical skills and a knack for interpreting complex data.
Becoming a risk analyst typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, business analytics, finance, or a related field
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Experience with statistical software and data analysis tools
- Optional certifications like Certified Risk Analyst to boost career growth
Risk analysts are employed across industries such as banking, insurance, consulting, manufacturing, and government agencies. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for financial analysts, which includes risk analysts, is $101,910 as of May 2024, with projected job growth of 6% from 2024 to 2034.
12. Software Developer / Computer Programmer
Software developers and computer programmers design, code, and test software and applications. They use mathematics for algorithms, data structures, and logical reasoning. A software developer career is a good match for problem-solvers with strong analytical skills who enjoy app development, cybersecurity, or technology infrastructure.
Becoming a software developer or programmer typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, IT, or a math-related field
- Strong scripting and programming, web development, and UX design skills
- Knowledge of advanced math concepts like calculus
- Experience with software development tools and frameworks
Software developers and computer programmers work in technology companies, government, finance, healthcare, and education. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for software developers is $133,080 per year in May 2024 with projected 15% job growth from 2024 to 2034.
13. Statistician
Statisticians collect and analyze data, build statistical models, and share insights to help organizations make evidence-based decisions. A statistician career is ideal for professionals with exceptional mathematical aptitude, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail.
Becoming a statistician typically requires:
- A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or data analytics
- Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting
- For advanced roles, a master's degree in data analytics plus expertise in modeling, machine learning, and programming languages such as Python and SQL
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for statisticians is $103,300 as of May 2024. Employment for statisticians is projected to grow about 8% from 2024 to 2034, with strong opportunities in healthcare, research, government, and higher education
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Frequently Asked Questions
What education and skills are needed for careers involving math?
Most math careers require at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, finance, or a related field. Key skills include proficiency in calculus, statistics, data analysis, programming, and problem-solving.
What is the job outlook and salary range for math-related careers?
Many math-related careers offer strong job prospects and competitive salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mathematicians and statisticians earned a median salary of about $104,000 in 2024. Employment in these roles is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034.
How can I prepare for math-related job interviews?
To prepare for math job interviews, review core math concepts—such as algebra, calculus, probability, and data analysis—and practice answering questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.
What are the benefits of earning a math degree for career advancement?
Earning a math degree opens doors to diverse careers and builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and quantitative analysis skills which are valued in every industry.
Which math specialties align best with different industries?
Different math specialties support different industries, such as:
- Statistics and data science: Healthcare, technology, public policy, and research
- Actuarial science: Insurance, finance, and risk management
- Applied math and calculus: Engineering, economics, and physical sciences
