What can you do with a math degree?

Jobs for math majors are some of the most reciprocal out there. Intrigued? Let us explain.

As a math major, you love numbers, right? Well, as it turns out, when it comes to your salary, those numbers love you back: Math-related majors consistently make PayScale.com’s lists of top degrees for entry-level and mid-career pay. 

With this type of degree, you’ve also got your choice of careers that can add up to greatness. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monster rounded up 10 fantastic jobs for math majors.

Accountant

What you’d do: Accountants use their love of number crunching to prepare and examine financial records, ensuring that they are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time.
What you’d need: Supplementing your bachelor’s degree in accounting with a certification in a specific field can improve your job prospects. Check out this sample resume for an accountant.
What you’d make: $70,500 per year

Find accountant jobs on Monster.

Actuary

What you’d do: Actuaries assess and manage risk by helping businesses analyze their spending. Actuaries also estimate the probability of possible activities and occurrences and the costs involved should said events actually happen. The goal is to maximize potential return and minimize the chance of losing money. Insurance is a key industry for actuaries.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, or actuarial science is required. You also need to pass a series of exams offered by either the Casualty Actuarial Society or the Society of Actuaries. It takes anywhere from six to 10 years to complete the exams, but you can begin your career after passing the first two exams. Many employers will often offer study materials, prep courses, and on-the-job study hours, as well as cover the exam fees, as employee benefits.
What you’d make: $102,880 per year

Find actuary jobs on Monster.

Bookkeeper

What you’d do: Using spreadsheets and bookkeeping software, bookkeepers record financial transactions, update statements and check financial records for accuracy.
What you’d need: Your bachelor’s degree in math or an accounting degree should be sufficient to get a job as a bookkeeper. Check out this sample resume for a bookkeeper.
What you’d make: $40,240 per year

Find bookkeeper jobs on Monster.

Computer systems analyst

What you’d do: People may not think of tech industry as a source of jobs for math majors, but you know better. Computer systems analysts help organizations make their computer systems better match customers’ and users’ needs. Analysts do a lot of collaborating with the people who are directly affected by the way a system works, and they emphasize both the how of the IT side and the why of the business side.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree often is enough, as long as your coursework includes some information science classes.
What you’d make: $88,740 per year

Find computer systems analyst jobs on Monster.

Database administrator

What you’d do: Database administrators are in charge of the computer systems that store, organize, and protect data for organizations in the private and public sectors. They work with users to make modifications and might also create new databases if needed.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum. Given the IT-centric nature of the job, you’ll likely need certification to work with certain types of software or systems. Learn more about how to become a database administrator and check out this sample resume for a database administrator.
What you’d make: $90,070 per year

Find database administrator jobs on Monster.

Financial analyst

What you’d do: Financial analysts assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments to provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field is the baseline, but to further your career, you may need to obtain a master’s degree. Check out this sample resume for a financial analyst.
What you’d make: $85,660 per year

Find financial analyst jobs on Monster.

Logistician

What you’d do: Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain (the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer). In this role, you would manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, distributed, allocated and delivered.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in logistics or a related field should be sufficient for a job in logistics.
What you’d make: $74,600 per year

Find logistician jobs on Monster.

Mathematician

What you’d do: Among the most logical of jobs for math majors, mathematicians do extensive research to understand mathematical principles, and also seek to put them into action for real-world situations. These roles can be in academia, with the government, or in the private sector.
What you’d need: You might get in the door with a bachelor’s degree, but often this role comes with the expectation of at least a master’s.
What you’d make: $88,190 per year

Find mathematician jobs on Monster.

Operations research analyst

What you’d do: In this role, you would use your advanced mathematical and analytical skills to help organizations investigate issues, identify and solve problems and, ultimately, make better decisions.
What you’d need: Your bachelor’s degree will get your foot in the door, but some employers prefer to hire applicants with advanced degrees.
What you’d make: $83,390 per year

Find operations research analyst jobs on Monster.

Statistician

What you’d do: Statisticians use numbers to spot trends, make predictions, and solve problems. They do this by collecting and analyzing data that can be put to use in the public sector (think: analyzing traffic patterns for urban planning or developing a survey to determine unemployment levels) and corporate world, from engineering to health care.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in statistics is sometimes enough, but a master’s is required for most jobs. A doctorate is required for more advanced research jobs.
What you’d make: $88,190 per year

Find statistician jobs on Monster.

Count on a great career

Terrible puns aside, you know STEM careers are leading the workforce, which means you'll be in demand. Need some help fielding great job offers? Join Monster for free today. As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume—each tailored to different types of jobs for math majors and other STEM jobs that interest you. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. Additionally, you can get job alerts sent directly to your inbox to cut down on time spent looking through ads. Count on Monster to help you kick-start an awesome career.