15 Occupations Where Mathematics Plays A Major Role

by Noah Smith

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Mathematics, which involves using mathematics to solve problems, is a skill that belongs to a group known as content. Content is a set of skills that describes background structures needed to work with and acquire more specific skills in a variety of different domains. Other skills that belong in this group are

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Science

The occupations where mathematics play a major role are listed below.

Mathematicians
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. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, complex problem solving, critical thinking, reading comprehension and science.
Median Annual Salary: $99,380 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 22.48%

Physicists
Physicists conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, active listening, complex problem solving, critical thinking, instructing, judgment and decision making, learning strategies, reading comprehension, science, speaking and writing.
Median Annual Salary: $106,370 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 15.89%

Mathematical technicians
Mathematical technicians apply standardized mathematical formulas, principles, and methodology to technological problems in engineering and physical sciences in relation to specific industrial and research objectives, processes, equipment, and products. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, active listening, critical thinking and reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $44,880 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 8.48%

Statisticians
Statisticians develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. They may also specialize in fields such as bio-statistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $72,830 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 13.07%

Mechanical engineers
Mechanical engineers perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, complex problem solving, judgment and decision making, monitoring, operations analysis, reading comprehension and science.
Median Annual Salary: $78,160 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 6.03%

Actuaries
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 also ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include complex problem solving, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, reading comprehension, systems analysis and systems evaluation.
Median Annual Salary: $87,650 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 21.37%

Chemical engineers
Chemical engineers design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, operations analysis, reading comprehension, science and systems evaluation.
Median Annual Salary: $90,300

Biomedical engineers
Biomedical engineers apply knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and heath management and care delivery systems. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, complex problem solving, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, operations analysis, reading comprehension, science and speaking.
Median Annual Salary: $81,540 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 72.02%

Civil engineers
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. Includes architectural, structural, traffic, ocean, and geo-technical engineers. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, critical thinking, monitoring, operations analysis and reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $77,560 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 24.27%

Statistical assistants
Statistical assistants compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. They may also perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.
Median Annual Salary: $34,530 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 5.12%

Astronomers
Astronomers observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include active learning, reading comprehension, science, speaking and writing.
Median Annual Salary: $87,260 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 16.03%

Mining and geological engineers
Mining and geological engineers conduct sub-surface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. They may also specify the ground support systems, processes and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. They may also inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. They may also design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include complex problem solving, critical thinking, judgment and decision making, monitoring and reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $82,870 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 15.3%

Operations research analysts
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 also collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. They may also develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation. The other skill that is considered important for this occupation is operations analysis.
Median Annual Salary: $70,960 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 22.02%

Environmental engineers
Environmental engineers research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include complex problem solving, judgment and decision making, monitoring and reading comprehension.
Median Annual Salary: $78,740 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 30.62%

Aerospace engineers
Aerospace engineers perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They may also conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. They may also recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques. Other skills that are considered important for this occupation include critical thinking, operations analysis, reading comprehension and science.
Median Annual Salary: $97,480 Projected 10-Year Employment Growth: 10.39%