Does the idea of crunching numbers and sifting through data all day excite you?
You're probably a "math person" — and you may want to consider pursuing a job that requires these skills.
Turns out, a lot of math-centric jobs pay pretty well.
We recently combed through the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a US Department of Labor database that compiles detailed information on hundreds of jobs, and looked at salary data on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' website to find positions with a median annual salary of over $75,000 that require heavy math skills.
O*NET ranks how important "using mathematics to solve problems" is in any job, assigning each a "math importance level" between 1 and 100.
Here are 14 high-paying positions with a math-importance level of 70 or higher:
14. Accountant
Median salary: $75,280
Math importance level: 72
Accountants examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others.
13. Chemist
Median salary: $77,860
Math importance level: 72
Chemists conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
12. Aerospace engineer
Median salary: $110,570
Math importance level: 72
Aerospace engineers perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They may conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture — and sometimes recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
11. Mechanical engineer
Median salary: $88,190
Math importance level: 72
Mechanical engineers perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. They oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
10. Civil engineer
Median salary: $87,940
Math importance level: 72
Civil engineers perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
9. Marine architect
Median salary: $100,090
Math importance level: 72
Marine architects design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels and ship machinery and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
8. Economist
Median salary: $109,230
Math importance level: 75
Economists conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. They may collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
7. Astronomer
Median salary: $110,220
Math importance level: 75
Astronomers observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
6. Operations research analyst
Median salary: $84,180
Math importance level: 81
Operations research analysts formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision-making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. They may collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products — and sometimes develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
5. Actuary
Median salary: $110,560
Math importance level: 85
Actuaries analyze statistical data — such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables — to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. They may ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
4. Mathematical science teacher (postsecondary)
Median salary: $77,290
Math importance level: 85
Postsecondary mathematical science teachers teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations.
3. Physicist
Median salary: $118,500
Math importance level: 85
Physicists conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.
2. Statistician
Median salary: $84,440
Math importance level: 97
Statisticians develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. They may specialize in fields such as bio-statistics or agricultural, business, or economic statistics.
1. Mathematician
Median salary: $112,560
Math importance level: 100
Mathematicians conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. They also solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.
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