Mathematicians

Employers

Mathematicians hold approximately 2,500 jobs in the federal and state government, in colleges and universities, and in various private industries and business. In addition, some 48,230 mathematical science teachers are employed in postsecondary education settings across the country.

In government, the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology are the main employers of mathematicians. Significant employers in industry include management and public relations, research and testing, aerospace, securities and commodities, and drug manufacturing companies. Other positions are held in such businesses as banks, insurance companies, securities and commodity exchanges, and public utilities.

Starting Out

Most college career services offices assist students in finding positions in business and industry upon graduation. Teaching positions in high schools are usually obtained by personal contacts through friends, relatives, or college professors or through college career services offices and by application and interviews. College and university assistantships, instructorships, and professorships often are obtained by departmental recommendations.

Positions in federal, state, and local governments are usually announced well in advance of the required civil service examination, and students can check for such notices on bulletin boards in their college career services offices or other locations, such as post offices and government buildings.