Choosing a Career in the Field of Mathematics: A Variety of Jobs for Number Crunchers

High School graduation will be here before you know it. Some of you have already put your first year of college under your belt. Now, it's time to begin thinking about your career. If you enjoy math, you may be interested in some of the following careers.

Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides guidelines for students trying to determine the course of their future. The BLS has done excellent job with their career brochure for 2006-2007. It is designed for you to pick the classes you most enjoy. The brochure then offers possible career fields in which you may be happy working. If you are a math guru, and problem solving comes easily to you then you may consider a career as a statistician, electrical engineer, surveyor, physicist, cost estimator, or an actuary.

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They may also help design surveys in order to collect data. Statisticians provide important information to corporations and governments regarding a variety of issues. This job usually requires a master's degree, or Ph.D. The reward is an office job with a salary somewhere between $42,000 and $80,000. Some statisticians make slightly less, those who are at the top of their field may make a good deal more.

Electrical Engineers must also have a penchant for math. They design, or improve electrical products, small and large. Electrical engineers and electronics engineers get paid between $60,000 to $100,000 depending on their skill, and the company with whom they are employed. Job prospects for electrical engineers are very good. The rapid development of technology will keep job possibilities in electrical engineering strong.

Surveying involves measurement of land, water, or other types of geography. Surveyors may or may not need a college degree, depending on the area of surveying in which they wish to work. Many surveyors may take technical courses, and work as an apprentice in the field before testing, and earning their license. Surveyors study geography in many ways, and for many reasons. Some surveyors are involved in construction, others in cartography, others in industrial projects that involve surveying large areas of land or water via satellite. Surveyors can earn anywhere from $23,000 to $70,000. Income depends on the type of work done. Many surveyors spend much of their time outdoors, and must be able to carry surveying equipment. So, if you enjoy math and the outdoors, this is a great job possibility for you. According to the BLS, the demand for surveyors will remain strong over the next several years. Study in the field of surveying may also lead to jobs in landscape architecture, urban design and planning, and geoscience.

If you enjoy math and science, you may enjoy the field of physics. Physicists uncover how the laws of nature work. They perform experiments, and make innovations based on their studies. They use laws of physics to develop, or improve basic or complex machinery. Becoming a physicist requires a doctoral degree. Their study of math and science often requires they write theses or papers explaining their findings. Students who study physics, but do not want to become researchers may apply their skills in the fields of civil engineering, computer programming, systems analysts, or environmental scientists. At the top of the pay scale, physicist may make as much as $130,000, or as little as $66,000

Two other job considerations for students of math include job estimators and actuaries. Job estimators do exactly what the title implies. They gather data and information to determine how much a project, or job will cost to complete. Math, statistics, and physical science all provide a solid background for people who wish to work as job estimators. Estimators may expect to earn somewhere between $30,000 and $80,000.

Actuaries look at the potential risks involved with projects, jobs, or people. Based on the information they gain, they propose insurance and pension plans. Becoming an actuary is similar to an estimator, except that you are working with the risk end of the business, not the business project itself. Actuaries earn between $50,000 and $100,000. Jobs for actuaries are expected to grow in the coming years, along with similar type work in economics, accounting, statisticians, mathematicians, and financial or budget analysts.

The demand for math majors is always high. This list of jobs is by no means conclusive. Many high tech jobs in engineering and finance require a strong background in math. If you find that math comes easily to you, and you enjoy working with figures, consider a degree in or associated with mathematics. The job outlook is strong, and the jobs are generally some of the better paying in the job market.