Mathematician Salary
Mathematicians earn a median $126,710 a year nationally. Computer and Mathematical Occupations
What mathematicians do
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.
- Typical education
- Master's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +0.6% (slower than average)
- Openings per year
- 100
Employment of mathematicians is projected to grow 0.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 100 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Mathematician take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$19,144
- Social Security (6.2%)$7,856
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,837
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$97,872
Marginal rate: 24% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $69,240 | $33.29 | $57,540 |
| 25th percentile | $88,570 | $42.58 | $71,139 |
| Median (50th) | $126,710 | $60.92 | $97,872 |
| 75th percentile | $157,020 | $75.49 | $118,589 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $195,190 | $93.84 | $145,341 |
Mathematician salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $162,280 | +18.3% | $122,184 | $102,050 – $239,200+ | 100 |
| Virginia | $148,030 | +4.1% | $104,747 | $92,520 – $195,190 | 400 |
| Maryland | $131,810 | +2.2% | $95,397 | $73,590 – $195,190 | 160 |
| Illinois | $130,970 | +2.9% | $94,446 | $49,190 – $170,010 | 60 |
| New York | $126,950 | +28.7% | $91,587 | $79,110 – $239,200+ | 150 |
| California | $126,710 | −11.9% | $88,671 | $81,230 – $182,020 | 250 |
| Rhode Island | $109,260 | — | $82,106 | $72,470 – $155,150 | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $104,190 | — | $77,138 | $72,030 – $149,520 | 40 |
| Nevada | $102,890 | −0.0% | $81,213 | $78,810 – $162,990 | 70 |
| Indiana | $88,050 | — | $68,205 | $77,420 – $136,990 | 40 |
| Colorado | $86,020 | −20.7% | $66,269 | $63,820 – $195,190 | 60 |
| Michigan | $65,510 | +3.3% | $52,284 | $65,510 – $132,530 | 90 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actuary | $130,000 | Bachelor's degree | +9.2% |
| Data Scientist | $120,230 | Bachelor's degree | +34.6% |
| Statistician | $105,650 | Master's degree | +11.0% |
| Operations Research Analyst | $88,940 | Bachelor's degree | +11.9% |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | $81,490 | Bachelor's degree | +7.1% |
| Information Security Analyst | $129,180 | Bachelor's degree | +21.0% |
| Computer Network Architect | $134,050 | Bachelor's degree | +7.7% |
| Software Developer | $135,980 | Bachelor's degree | +10.2% |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,580 | Bachelor's degree | +5.1% |
| Database Architect | $139,500 | Bachelor's degree | +9.4% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mathematician make?
The national median salary for mathematicians is $126,710 a year ($60.92 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $69,240 and the top 10% earn over $195,190. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays mathematicians the most?
Washington has the highest median pay at $162,280.
How many mathematicians are there in the U.S.?
About 2,030 people work as mathematicians nationwide.