15 Entry-Level Jobs for Math Majors

There are many entry-level jobs for math majors. Every job requires you to have at least basic math skills and enhancing your math knowledge provides more opportunities.

Math majors typically have options to concentrate or specialize in a discipline that relates to a specific career goal. After you earn your degree, you can qualify for jobs such as:

• Accountant
• Math teacher
• Financial analyst

The Most Common Entry-Level Jobs for Math Majors

Find the most common entry-level jobs for college math graduates below.

1. Data Scientist

You can become a data scientist by earning your bachelor's degree in mathematics. A concentration in computer science or statistics could increase your qualifications.

Data scientists require problem-solving skills as well as knowledge in:

• Math
• Computers
• Algorithms and statistical techniques

As a data scientist, you can expect to:

• Collect and analyze data
• Create and evaluate algorithms
• Use data visualization software

2. Actuary

If you are a math major, you may be interested in becoming an actuary to help clients assess financial risks and create policies to minimize or mitigate risks.

Several types of actuaries are suitable for math majors. See examples of actuaries below:

• Health insurance actuaries
• Life insurance actuaries
• Public sector actuaries

Math majors may qualify for actuary duties like:

• Analyzing statistical data
• Estimating the economic cost of unfortunate events
• Producing calculations and proposals

3. Data Analyst

If you are a math major interested in identifying patterns and trends and translating numbers and figures, prepare for an entry-level career as a data analyst. To enhance your mathematics degree and increase your qualifications for a data analyst position, specialize in:

• Business
• Data analytics
• Engineering

A data analyst can also benefit from earning certifications such as the MapR Certified Data Analyst or the INFORMS Certified Analytics Professional.

4. Statistician

If you want to become a statistician, earn your bachelor's or master's degree in mathematics. Examples of math courses that benefit statisticians include:

• Abstract algebra
• Calculus
• Linear algebra

Find an online mathematics degree program that provides a concentration or specialization in statistics to increase your knowledge and opportunities. As a statistician, you can expect to:

• Interpret data
• Design surveys
• Conduct experiments
• Apply mathematical theories and techniques to provide solutions

5. Financial Analyst

You can expect employment for financial analysts to grow faster than many other jobs in coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You can become a financial analyst with a degree in mathematics and increase your qualifications by specializing in business, finance, or a similar study area. A bachelor's in mathematics degree teaches you skills that financial analysts need to analyze financial data and estimate the value of financial securities.

6. Economist

Although most employers seek candidates with a master's degree for an economist position, you may qualify for an economist job with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. You can enhance your qualifications by earning many course credits in:

• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Economics

Become an economist if you are interested in using mathematical models to analyze data and prepare reports related to the production and distribution of goods and services.

7. Math Teacher

A mathematics teacher is a common entry-level position for college graduates with a degree in mathematics. There are many different programs to support your career goal.

Some mathematics degree programs prepare you for earning your state licensure. State licensure is a requirement to teach in public elementary, middle, or high schools. Other programs that do not lead to state licensure qualify you for private preschool positions and more.

8. Accountant

Math is an essential skill required for accountants. You may increase your employment opportunities to become an accountant with a degree in mathematics. Pass the national exam and meet other state requirements to become a certified public accountant (CPA) after you earn your bachelor's degree in mathematics.

As an accountant, can expect to:

• Examine financial statements
• Assess financial operations
• Identify risks and challenges

The most common types of accountants include:

• Government accountants
• Management accountants
• Public accountants

9. Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organizations plan their finances to make sure they spend public funds efficiently. You can qualify for a budget analyst position with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and increase your qualifications with a concentration in business or a related field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most budget analysts work in the federal government, and you can expect employment for budget analysts to increase in the years coming.

10. Financial Planner

If you want to help people or organizations achieve financial goals, earn your bachelor's degree in mathematics and become a financial planner. An online bachelor's degree in mathematics will provide you with the necessary analytical and math skills to perform job duties related to determining amounts invested and economic trends.

Financial planners are important for financial success and are most common for employers related to financial investments, commodity contracts, and more.

11. Software Engineer

You can prepare for a career as a software engineer through college courses such as:

• Calculus
• Differential equations
• Linear algebra

You can find many college courses that will prepare you to become a software engineer in an online bachelor's in mathematics degree program. The math skills you develop in college will help you:

• Determine the probability of a recurring event
• Analyze an AB split test
• Understand conditional logic in your code

12. Insurance Underwriter

An online undergraduate degree in mathematics can prepare you for a career as an insurance underwriter in the fields of:

• Health
• Life
• Property and casualty

You need college math skills to calculate appropriate premiums on insurance policies, determine the probability of losses, and much more. Though the use of automated underwriting software is increasing, a need for human insurance underwriters is still essential to improve and run such automation.

13. Cost Estimator

A cost estimator is an entry-level job most common in:

• The automotive industry
• The construction industry
• The manufacturing industry

You must have math skills as a cost estimator to calculate labor and material costs, and plan time, money, and labor costs for meeting deadlines. You can become a cost estimator with a degree in mathematics and on-the-job training. Cost estimators are important to successful construction and manufacturing projects.

14. Mathematician

Become a math major in college if you are interested in working in the field of:

• Data analysis
• Education
• Healthcare
• Research and development as a mathematician

Most employers require you to have a master's degree in math, but a bachelor's degree in math may be suitable for an entry-level mathematician position. You can expect employment for mathematicians to rise in coming years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

15. Computer Programmer

A math major can prepare you for a career as a computer programmer. Enhance your math degree with an internship or concentration that supports your career goal.

A computer programmer requires analytical and critical thinking skills that are developed in college to design and test code or scripts. Computer programmers work in:

• Computers
• Manufacturing
• Finance and insurance

You can even start your own business as a computer programmer.

The Job Market for Math Degree Holders

The job market is continuously booming for math degree holders and their ability to sort and analyze data, problem-solve, and understand business and financial risks. There is also a steadily growing need for math majors in all industries in the fields of finance, technology, and more. Math majors that take advantage of internship opportunities to gain real-world experience enhance options for entry-level positions.

What Industries Hire Math Majors?

Most industries hire math majors. There is a need for math major graduates in:

• Construction
• Education
• Finance and insurance
• Healthcare
• Information technology

Math majors qualify for:

• Entry-level computer and mathematical jobs
• Educational instruction and library occupations
• Management occupations.

FAQs About Entry-Level Jobs with a Mathematics Degree

See answers to frequently asked questions about entry-level jobs with a mathematics degree below.

What Should I Do After a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics?

What you should do after earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics depends on your situation and career goals. You could start an entry-level job, start a master's degree program, or both. You may also be able to advance your current position if you are employed.

Are Mathematicians in Demand?

Mathematicians are very much in demand. Some employers who need mathematicians are:

• The federal government
• Colleges
• Local schools

Mathematicians are also in demand in professional, scientific, and technical services according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is a Math Major Worth It?

A math major is worth pursuing if you are interested in career paths in areas such as:

• Actuarial science
• Data science
• Education
• Computer programming
• Software development
• Aerospace

A math major is also worth it because of the skills you will gain beyond basic math that will increase your employment opportunities and personal financial growth.

What Level of Math Education Do I Need?

The level of math education you need depends on your career goal. There are many occupations that you may qualify for with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. A master's degree in mathematics can open career advancement opportunities in:

• Finance
• Research
• Teaching
• Analytics

Doctoral degrees, such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in mathematics, are available for those who want an even more advanced degree in the field of mathematics.

Start Your Math Degree Today

Start your online bachelor's degree in mathematics today to prepare for high-demand entry-level jobs for mathematics majors. Check out the entry-level jobs listed above and find more career information at Learn.org.