We surveyed 1,034 mathematicians to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical mathematician. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a mathematician?

Low

High

Working as a mathematician typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that mathematicians are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.

Can I learn to become a mathematician?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a mathematician typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a mathematician?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a mathematician. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for mathematicians.

Info

Do mathematicians work full-time or part-time?

61% of mathematicians work in full-time roles while 39% work part-time.

Is being a mathematician stressful?

Low

High

Mathematicians tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a mathematician?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a mathematician.

How competitive is the workplace for mathematicians?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for mathematicians.

Does being a mathematician require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for mathematicians.

Are mathematicians allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Mathematicians are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.

Do mathematicians have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Mathematicians have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.

Is being a mathematician physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a mathematicians is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.

Are mathematicians exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Mathematicians tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a mathematician require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a mathematician.

Does being a good mathematician require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as mathematicians.