Occupation AtlasMathematicians
O*NET · 15-2021.00
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.
Also called Agent-Based Modeler · Algebraist · Applied Mathematician · Cipher Expert · Computational Mathematician · Computational Scientist · Cryptanalyst · Cryptographer
10 more
Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst · Engineering Mathematician · Game Mathematician · Geometrician · Math Researcher · Math Researcher (Mathematics Researcher) · Mathematician · Research Computing Specialist · Research Scientist · Researcher
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ICAInvestigative · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative7.00
- C Conventional5.03
- A Artistic3.23
- R Realistic3.22
- S Social1.95
- E Enterprising1.11
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (45%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (35%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- MathematicsbasicImportance 5.0Level 6.0Level 6 looks like: Develop a mathematical model to simulate and resolve an engineering problem
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Identify the implications of a new scientific theory for product design
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- WritingbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SciencebasicImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
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- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Time ManagementImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- ProgrammingImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.Importance 4.3
- Mentor others on mathematical techniques.Importance 4.3
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.Importance 4.1
- Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.Importance 4.1
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.Importance 4.0
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.Importance 3.9
- Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.Importance 3.9
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.Importance 3.8
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.Importance 3.7
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.Importance 3.7
- Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.Importance 3.2
Show the other 1
- Design, analyze, and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law-enforcement-related information in code.Importance 2.8
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- MathematicsImportance 4.9Level 6.7Level 7 looks like: Derive a complex mathematical equation
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- English LanguageImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- PhysicsImportance 3.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.1Level 2.6
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- DesignImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- AdministrativeImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- BiologyImportance 1.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- ChemistryImportance 1.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- MechanicalImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- PsychologyImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 5.0Level 6.0Level 6 looks like: Determine the mathematics required to simulate a space craft landing on the moon
- Number FacilityImportance 4.6Level 5.0Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Understand a lecture on advanced physics
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Explain advanced principles of genetics to college freshmen
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Understand an instruction book on repairing Artificial Intelligence systems
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
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- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.9
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Near VisionImportance 3.6Level 3.8
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Far VisionImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Time SharingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.7Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.4Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
- Processing InformationImportance 4.3Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.7
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
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- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.6
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 1.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.7Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.2Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
93 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (12)
- Atlassian JIRAhot
- Chot
- C#hot
- C++hot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Pythonhot
- Rhot
- The MathWorks MATLABhot
- Chatbot software
- Perforce software
- Version control software
Hot (25; 9 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Bash
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Extensible markup language XML
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- MySQL
- Oracle Java
- Perl
- PHP
- Salesforce software
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
- Tableau
Show the other 1
- UNIX
Other tools (56)
- Algae
- AMPL
- Analyse-it
- Analysis and Visualization of Time Sequences AVTS
- Apfloat
- Apple Shazam
- Aptech Systems GAUSS
- ARfit
- Aztec
- Computer Algebra System for Algebraic Geometry CASA
- Data visualization software
- DataDescription DataDesk
- DifEqu
- Discrete Dynamics Lab DDLab
- DSP Development DADiSP
- EleSoft Research
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Geomview
- GNU Octave
- Graphics Programming Environment GRAPE
- GraphPad Software GraphPad Prism
- IBM SPSS Amos
- Insightful S-PLUS
- Interactive Mathematical Proof System IMPS
- JACAL
- KANT
- KSEG
- LINDO Systems LINDO API
- MacKichan Software Scientific WorkPlace
- Magma Design Automation software
- Maplesoft Maple
- Mathsoft Mathcad
- Maxima Software
- Maximal Software MPL Modeling System
- MicroPress VTeX
- Minitab
- ModelKinetix ModelMaker
- Multipath Corporation Fast Matrix Solver FMS
- Numeritek NUMERICA
- Object oriented development environment software
- PARI/GP
- Polymath Software POLYMATH
- Provalis Research Simstat
- Sage Accounting Software
- StataCorp Stata
- STATISTICA
- SuperANOVA
- Symmetrica
- Systat Software SigmaPlot
- The MathWizards MathViews
- UNISTAT Statistical Package
- User interface design software
- Vormetric Application Encryption
- Web browser software
- Web server software
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Statisticians
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.6, Active Listening +0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Biostatisticians
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming +0.9, Management of Personnel Resources +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics −1.6, Management of Personnel Resources +0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Economists
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.7, Service Orientation +1.0
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Geographers
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics −2.0, Service Orientation +1.0
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Data Scientists
Average difference 0.3 points · Programming +1.3, Science −1.1
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Operations Research Analysts
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis +1.3, Systems Analysis +0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Business Intelligence Analysts
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −2.0, Mathematics −1.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.