Best Jobs for Math Majors in 2024: High-Paying Paths with Strong Demand
Math majors in the USA--whether you just finished your bachelor's or hold an advanced degree--can access versatile, high-demand careers in data, finance, tech, and analysis. These roles build on strong analytical skills in a competitive job market, with projected growth much faster than average across math-related fields (historical data, DOL blog 2022). Top picks include data scientist ($122,000 average, Syracuse iSchool 2025), actuary/actuarial analyst ($108,350 median, BLS via Geneva College), operations research analyst (26,000 jobs added by 2030, Wake Forest), and quantitative analyst (Python/R key, UChicago). These suit analytical thinkers but may not fit if you want to avoid programming or client-facing work.
You'll find detailed breakdowns, comparisons, and transition steps below to help you pick the best fit.
Top Careers for Math Graduates: Data-Focused Roles
Data-focused roles give math majors entry-to-high-level paths with solid pay and demand, building directly on your statistical foundation. Data scientists average $122,000 annually, outpacing data analysts at $82,000 (both Syracuse iSchool 2025; SNHU). Market research analysts earn a $68,230 median (BLS via SNHU). Keep in mind that data scientists spend up to 80% of their time cleaning messy datasets into usable formats, per Syracuse research.
One math major transitioned to data science by self-teaching programming through Anaconda and IPython notebooks, bridging gaps in practical modeling (historical story, tdhopper 2015). Learn Python/R for entry; advanced ML skills boost pay, though pure math grads may need projects to show real-world application.
Data Scientist Path for Math Majors
Math backgrounds overlap heavily with data science stats and machine learning (ML, algorithms that learn patterns from data), but you'll need programming skills (Medium pure math to DS 2022). Expect $122,000 average vs. $82,000 for analysts (Syracuse iSchool 2025). Real-world tasks include predicting customer behavior or healthcare outcomes.
Skip this if you're not interested in data cleaning--it's the bulk of the work and less theoretical than pure math.
Highest Paying Math Degree Jobs in Finance and Actuarial Science
Finance and actuarial paths deliver some of the highest pay for math grads, with actuaries at $108,350 average (up to $193,600) and investment bankers averaging $174,677 (BLS via Geneva College; TheRedPen 2025). Around 20% of math grads enter finance (historical data, MathsCareers 2018).
Key skills: stats, VBA/Python/R/SAS, financial modeling (UChicago). Pay varies by experience and US region--top earners typically have 5+ years under their belt.
Quantitative Analyst and Finance Careers for Mathematicians
Quants need Python/C++/Java coding, probability, regression, time series analysis (UChicago). Crypto analysts range $57,500-$124,000 (TheRedPen 2025). They model economic impacts, like automotive strike effects (IWU careers).
These roles demand market interest; pure theorists may need to build up coding practice first.
Operations Research and Statistics Jobs: Strong BLS Outlook
Operations research analysts use data mining, optimization, and statistical analysis for efficient solutions--ranked #4 best business job by USNWR via Wake Forest, with 26,000 jobs added to 105,000 total by 2030 (BLS data, Wake Forest; DOL blog). Math fields show strong growth much faster than average (historical data 2022, DOL blog).
Entry often requires 1-3 years of analysis experience (Indeed). Statisticians fit a similar profile, applying math to identify trends.
These roles suit math grads who want stable, high-impact analysis with proven BLS demand.
Other Strong Math Skills Jobs: Tech, Crypto, and Teaching
Software development requires programming (Python/C++/SQL/R, IWU), while cryptography is "hot" for building secure systems in cars and planes (StackExchange crypto jobs). Math professors at liberal arts colleges average $56,978 (historical data 2018, StackExchange).
Teaching suits community service; tech and crypto need a programming boost for pure math grads (MWCC).
Entry-Level Jobs vs Advanced Degrees: Career Boost Comparison
Bachelor's holders can start as data analysts (remote roles with 1-3 years exp, Indeed), but ~50% pursue advanced degrees (historical data 2018, AMSS). Graduate degrees open professor and quant roles (TheRedPen 2025).
| Degree Level | Pros | Cons | Example Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Quick entry, remote analyst jobs | Lower starting pay, less research access | Data analyst, entry quant |
| Master's/PhD | Higher pay/research (e.g., professor) | 2-5+ years extra study | Data scientist, professor |
Go for an advanced degree if you're aiming for academia; a bachelor's works fine for industry analysis.
How to Land Jobs Requiring Strong Math Skills: Practical Steps
- Assess gaps: stats/ML/programming.
- Build portfolio: Python data cleaning projects, IPython notebooks (tdhopper 2015).
- Network: Challenges like EY Data Science (BuiltIn).
- Target: gov/tech/finance; attend career fairs (MathsCareers 2018).
Focus on Python/C++/SQL/R (UChicago).
Evidence Pack
Career Decision Matrix
Compare top jobs by key parameters (growth historical 2020-2030 data from DOL 2022/Wake Forest--verify latest at BLS.gov; expected trends based on 2022 patterns).
| Job | Median Salary (Source) | Projected Growth | Key Skills | Entry Req | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | $122K avg (Syracuse 2025) | 30-35% (DOL 2022) | Python/R, ML, stats | Bachelor's + programming | Data modeling lovers |
| Actuary | $108K (BLS/Geneva) | 22-24% (DOL 2022) | Stats, financial modeling | Bachelor's + exams | Risk assessors |
| Operations Research Analyst | N/A (strong outlook) | 26K jobs added (Wake Forest/BLS) | Optimization, data mining | Bachelor's, 1-3 yrs exp | Problem-solvers |
| Quant Analyst | Varies, high (UChicago) | Finance trends | Python/C++, probability | Master's preferred | Finance coders |
| Statistician | Competitive (Coursera BLS) | 30%+ (DOL 2022) | Stats analysis | Bachelor's/Master's | Trend analyzers |
| Math Professor | $57K liberal arts (hist. 2018, StackExchange) | Steady academia | Research/PhD | PhD | Teachers/researchers |
Math Major Job Market Trends and Real Stories
Math fields expect strong growth much faster than average (historical data 2022, DOL blog). Real examples: one math major moved to data science through self-taught Python (tdhopper 2015); another jumped from pure math to industry via challenges (BuiltIn, e.g., Ian Wong at Opendoor); programming gaps frequently noted (Math.SE).
Trends hold based on 2022 patterns, but check BLS for 2024 updates.
FAQ
Do math majors make good data scientists?
Yes, their stats foundation aligns well, but you'll need to add programming like Python/R (Syracuse iSchool 2025; BuiltIn). Many transition through projects, though 80% time on data cleaning can test patience for theory-focused grads.
What's the salary for actuaries with math degree?
$108,350 median, up to $193,600 (BLS via Geneva College). You'll apply stats and math to risk costs in insurance and finance.
Are there entry-level remote jobs for math bachelor's?
Yes, data analysis roles that need 1-3 years exp, using analytical techniques for trends (Indeed).
How does advanced degree boost math careers?
Opens up professor and quant roles; ~50% of bachelor's holders pursue one (historical 2018, AMSS; TheRedPen 2025).
What programming for quant math jobs?
Python, C++, Java, R, SQL for modeling and financial data (UChicago).
Is operations research a top career outlook for math grads?
Yes--26K jobs added, #4 best biz job (Wake Forest/BLS).
Apply This to Your Situation
Assess your fit: 1. Do you prefer data modeling or teaching? 2. Are you willing to learn coding (Python/R)? 3. Do you want high salary (>100K) or better work-life balance?
Grounded next steps: 1. Review latest BLS occupational outlook at bls.gov for math-related stats. 2. Build one Python data project using free Anaconda notebooks.