Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$67,950.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$108,730.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$161,120.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
14,430
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
18,990
+456 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,545
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Desktop computers
- Graphing calculators
- Laptop computers
- Optical disk drives
- Personal computers
- Supercomputers
Technology
- ARfit
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Apple Shazam
- Apple macOS
- Aztec
- Bash
- C
- C++
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- EleSoft Research
- Extensible markup language XML
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Graphics Programming Environment GRAPE
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JACAL
- JavaScript
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- advise clients or customers
- provide expert testimony on research results
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- confer with research personnel
- consult with managerial or supervisory personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- explain complex mathematical information
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- develop mathematical ideas or interpretations
- develop mathematical or computer languages
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- perform statistical modeling
- analyze social or economic data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.
- Design, analyze, and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law-enforcement-related information in code.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Algebrahelp.com
Algebrahelp.com is a collection of lessons, calculators, and worksheets created to assist students and teachers of algebra. Resource lists are presented at the end of each lesson.
Learn MoreAnalyze Math: Mathematics Tutorials and Problems
Free mathematics tutorials to help you explore and gain deep understanding of math topics. The site includes several java applets to investigate Graphs of Functions and Equations. Algebra,Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry and Precalculus tutorials can be used either as complements to topics already studied or to learn a new topic through exploration.
Learn MoreAssociation for Women in Mathematics (AWM)
AWM encourages women and girls to study and to have active careers in the mathematical sciences and promotes equal opportunity and treatment of women and girls in the mathematical sciences. Links
Learn MoreAssociation for Women in Mathematics (AWM)
AWM, a membership organization, encourages women and girls to study and to have active careers in the mathematical sciences.
Learn MoreAssociation of Mathematics Teachers of New York State
The Association's purpose is to ensure better coordination of all activities of mathematics groups in the State, afford a medium of exchange of view regarding the teaching of mathematics and further the cooperative study of problems relating to the teaching of mathematics at all four levels, elementary, junior high, senior high and college.
Learn MoreBiographies of Contemporary Women in Mathematics, An Essay Contest
AWM's yearly essay contest, in which students in Grades 6 to12 participate, is fast approaching. The essays are based on interviewing a woman with a career in the mathematical sciences and statisticians in academic, industrial, and government careers. .
Learn MoreBiographies of Women Mathematicians
Biographies of women mathematicians to illustrate the numerous achievements of women in the field of mathematics.
Learn MoreClick on Bricks
Click on Bricks is an interactive mathematics site for learning basic multiplication skills. These pages will help you practice and learn your multiplication facts from 1 to 4.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Elementary)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (High School)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Intermediate)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreEducation 4 Kids
Education 4 Kids is web based internet learning resource.Each drill section has an opening page that describes the drill games in that section. The many math drills are split up into sections. Math Flashcards, Tables as well as some of the other more general drill games like time and money are included.
Learn MoreGoudreau Museum of Mathematics in Art and Science
The Goudreau Math Museum offers workshops for staff development. Workshops can be done either at the Goudreau Museum, located in New Hyde Park, NY, or at your school. The topics include using teddy bears, clowns and animals to help young children develop logical thinking to use as a problem-solving strategy, the concepts of shape, balance, symmetry, reflection, and 2-3 and 3-d space using geometric shapes to develop Art-Tessellations and a look at some surprising places to find math in and out of the classroom are available.
Learn MoreIlluminations: Activities
Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The library of 90 online activities sorted by age group help to make math come alive in the classroom or at home.
Learn MoreIlluminations: Lessons
Illuminations is designed to provide standards based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students. The collection of 524 lessons for preK12 math educators is easily sorted by age group and topic.
Learn MoreInformation for Undergraduate Students
Links to a variety of career descriptions, professional societies and publications.
Learn MoreInterMath
InterMath is a professional development effort designed to support teachers in becoming better mathematics educators. It focuses on building teachers' mathematical content knowledge through mathematical investigations that are supported by technology. Lesson plans include handouts.
Learn MoreJohnnie's Math Page
Johnnie's Math Page is a collection of K8 interactive math activities gathered by an elementary math teacher. This is great for individual practice or whole-group interactive whiteboard use. The activities include measurement, fractions, multiplication and more.
Learn MoreLearn NC: Math
Learn NC gives you what you need for K12 teaching. The site leads you to web resources and complete lesson plans. The math link covers math topics from a lesson called Dinosaur Math(K) for manipulatives learning to algebra and discrete mathematics named To be or not to be(8-12).
Learn MoreMath Dude: See How Cool Math Can Be Algebra Video Series
The Math Dude, a new video series helps middle and high school students improve their Algebra skills. These fast?paced programs are aimed at helping students with Algebra I and each five- to seven-minute episode may be viewed online through podcasts and iTunes.
Learn MoreMathBits.com
MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school and college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.
Learn MoreMathBits.com
MathBits is devoted to offering fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in high school/college level mathematics and computer programming to students and teachers.
Learn MoreMathematicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreMrs. Glosser's Math Goodies
Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies' interactive math lessons, puzzles and worksheets are self-paced learning modules ideal for students of all ages and abilities and aspire to the NCTM Standards for Teaching mathematics. These interactive math lessons were created to help children develop problem-solving skills.
Learn MoreNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
NCTM is the world's largest mathematics education organization that offers wide ranging professional development, including a diverse array of events, services, and resources to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students.
Learn MoreNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
NCTM is the world's largest mathematics education organization that offers wide-ranging professional development, including a diverse array of events, services, and resources to support teachers in ensuring mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students.
Learn MorePROMYS: Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists
PROMYS is a six week summer program at Boston University designed to encourage motivated high school students to explore the creative world of mathematics in a supportive community of peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and visiting scientists.
Learn MorePurplemath
Purplemath contains practical algebra lessons demonstrating useful techniques and pointing out common errors. Lessons are written with the struggling algebra student in mind.
Learn MoreSaturday Math
Share and learn with fellow teachers.Topics include Young Children's Thinking About Addition and Subtraction Problems, Using New Technology in the Mathematics Classroom and Planning Math Lessons for All Learners.
Learn MoreStudent Learning Assistance Center Math Tutorials
Looking to help your students get the most out of their math education? These math tutorials contain lessons for basic mathematics, algebra and geometry, precalculus and calculus. Interactive review exercises, powerpoint slides and easily printed text are included.
Learn MoreTools for Understanding: A Resource Guide for Extending Mathematical Understanding in Secondary Schools
This site is intended for educators who teach mathematics and are interested in integrating common technologies into their daily instruction. While much of this site focuses on mathematics, there are a number of lessons and activities that are intended to blend mathematics with writing and make use of mathematical reasoning in other content areas such as social studies.
Learn More