How Much Do Math Majors Make in the Job Market?
A math degree opens a wide-ranging number of doors once you enter the job market. Whether you go job-hunting with a bachelor's degree in hand or pursue a master's or PhD, the applications of math are varied. Many of the jobs that use a math degree have a median starting salary above the US national average. In fact the median overall salary for math majors who get a job in their field is $86,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Exploring the Average Salary for a Math Major by Job Title
Digging deeper, let's explore the earning potential of different positions you could enter. Learn more about the kinds of jobs you can get with a math degree and the salaries you can expect from an entry-level position, plus a look at the growth possibilities.
| Job Title | Degree Options | Mean Entry-level Salary (Payscale) | Mean Annual Salary (BLS) | Top 10 Percent (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuary | $69,471 | $141,480 | $215,100 | |
| Biostatistician | $77,638 | $87,942 (Payscale) | $130,000 (Payscale) | |
| Budget Analyst | $59,340 | $96,370 | $136,660 | |
| Business Analyst | $64,466 | $70,235 (Payscale) | $92,000 (Payscale) | |
| Credit Analyst | $54,361 | $100,850 | $169,230 | |
| Data Scientist | $88,797 | $126,800 | $199,130 | |
| Environmental Scientist and Specialist | $48,857 | $91,680 | $140,010 | |
| Financial and Investment Analyst | $62,562 | $116,800 | $180,860 | |
| Information Security Analyst | Mathematics - Business AnalyticsStatistics | $67,086 | $132,510 | $199,850 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $58,203 | $93,700 | $145,160 | |
| Management Analyst | $57,207 | $113,790 | $171,640 | |
| Market Research Analyst | $58,175 | $89,490 | $155,480 | |
| Mathematical Science Teacher, Postsecondary | $72,000 (Glassdoor) | $91,550 | $139,340 | |
| Mathematician | $72,380 | $129,260 | $195,190 | |
| Operations Research Analyst | $66,009 | $99,730 | $159,910 | |
| Quantitative Analyst | $78,742 | $109,421 (Payscale) | $161,000 (Payscale) | |
| Software Developer | $70,454 | $148,100 | $214,670 | |
| Statistician | $77,880 | $115,700 | $174,050 | |
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Figures from Payscale accessed May 2026. Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2025. |
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Mathematics salaries can vary widely based on factors other than the type of degree you get or the job title you get. Additional factors include job location, experience level, education, and the specific industry or company.
Math Jobs Growth
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for roles in mathematics and statistics is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034. The Occupational Outlook Handbook projects about 37,700 openings each year in these occupations.
Math Careers Rankings
Jobs in mathematics are highly ranked on the U.S. News and World Report's Top 100 Jobs list. Jobs you can get with a math degree take half of the top ten spots:
- No. 4 Financial Manager
- No. 5 Software Developer
- No. 6 Information Security Analyst
- No. 8 Data Scientist
- No. 10 Actuary
If none of these fit your career goals, explore more things you can do with a math degree. The versatility of the program lets you choose from a wide variety of paths towards your future.