A math major is an incredibly useful degree that can lead to gainful and high-paying employment in a variety of fields — particularly in finance and computer science. Many math majors end up working for private corporations as economists, actuaries or various kinds of data analysts, though there are also ample opportunities in government and education. It’s a difficult degree, but for those who love numbers, it can be an ideal career path.

Here is a list of 12 possible jobs for math majors:

Common Jobs for Math Majors

1. Mathematics Professor

Far and away the most common career path for math majors is becoming a college professor. The job of a college professor consists of two major duties: teaching students and conducting research in their field. For many people who are interested in mathematics — particularly theoretical mathematics — this is an ideal career path as it lets them devote all their efforts to exploring the subject they love. To earn a job teaching at the post-secondary level, at least a master’s degree is required, and typically you will need a doctorate.

Median annual wage: $70,910

Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree or Ph.D.

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%

2. Software Engineer

Software engineering is without a doubt one of the fastest growing industries, and it is one of the best career options for math majors. Software developers and programmers may work for a variety of businesses or organizations designing, installing, testing and maintaining software systems. This job is absolutely essential to the development and maintenance of technologies. If you’re interested in becoming a software engineer, the first step is learning the basics of coding and becoming familiar with common programming languages. If you can, try taking on computer science as a second major or a minor. Typically, all you need to break into the field is a demonstrable competence in programming, though a bachelor’s degree will certainly give you a leg up over the competition.

Median annual wage: $97,770

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 4%

3. Math Teacher

Over 10% of math majors end up becoming K-12 teachers, making it one of the most common career paths in that field. After earning a bachelor’s degree, those who aspire to teach in middle or high schools have to complete an internship in a school classroom, pass the state-required test for teachers and receive a teaching certificate/license. If you’re dead set on being a teacher, the best advice would be to major in education. But if you’re still uncertain about what you want to do, a math degree will certainly help you land a job teaching.

Median annual wage: $58,030

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1%

Specialized/Unique Jobs for Math Majors

4. Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial information and theory to assess the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. Actuaries work for a variety of businesses, and they are essential positions at financial consultancies, insurance agencies and banks. A bachelor’s degree is typically all that’s needed to enter the industry. Aspiring actuaries must also pass a series of exams to become certified in the profession. Professional actuaries should be certified through the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA). Both groups have a unique set of tests you have to pass. If you recently graduated from college and want to become an actuary, now is the time to start preparing for those tests. They can take hundreds of hours to prepare for.

Median annual wage: $101,560

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 21%

5. Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts, or “quants,” as they are often called in the financial industry, are experts in financial securities. Quants, who are known as the rocket scientists of the financial world, are typically employed by hedge funds and investment banks, and tasked with the highly-challenging job of developing complex models that allow companies to price and trade financial securities, using their knowledge of mathematics, computer science and finance. Because of the high level of expertise required for the position and the competitive nature of the job market, most quants have a doctorate in a related field.

Median annual wage: $84,300

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 23%

6. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and information scientists are experts in computer science. They spend their day researching and designing new approaches to computer technology, oftentimes working in the fields of data science, robotics or programming, and sometimes working in more specialized fields, like biomedical technology. This job requires not only an advanced knowledge of mathematics but a deep understanding of computation theory, so in most cases, an advanced degree — either a master’s degree or a doctorate — in computer science or a related field is necessary.

Median annual wage: $114,520

Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 2%

Non-Traditional Jobs for Math Majors

7. Meteorologist

Meteorologists use advanced modeling techniques to analyze the weather, climate and atmosphere, and develop forecasts based their analysis. This position requires a strong understanding of math and data science as well as physics and atmospheric science. Meteorologists are employed by a range of government agencies and companies, including consulting firms and agricultural companies. A math degree can be a stepping stone to a career as an atmospheric scientist or meteorologist, though you will need additional education in the field of atmospheric science or meteorology as well. Typically, you will need at least a master’s degree.

Median annual wage: $114,520

Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 67%

8. Cryptographer

Cryptographers are mathematicians who work with encrypted information, making and breaking codes. You may work for law enforcement or government agencies to protect sensitive data from hackers. You likewise might work for a financial organization, making sure that account information is secure. A bachelor’s degree can often get your foot in the door, though higher education is beneficial in many cases.

Median annual wage: $103,010

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 5%

9. Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors work with clients to discuss and meet their financial goals, providing advice on anything from investments to mortgages to retirement funds. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics with coursework in finance and economics are typically enough to gain entry into the field. Depending on your role in the company you work for, and particularly if you are involved in trading stocks and making investments, you may need licensing and certification from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Median annual wage: $90,640

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 58%

Other Potential Jobs for Math Majors

10. Accountant

Accountants keep track of, analyze and archive an organization’s financial information. Depending on the size of the organization, accountants are also sometimes asked to give advice on how an organization should budget, spend and invest its money. Nearly every organization needs accountants, including hospitals, nonprofits, insurance firms, and more. After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring accountants should become state-certified by passing the Certified Public Accountant exam, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Median annual wage: $69,350

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree and CPA license

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 94%

11. Statistician

Statisticians are employed in a variety of industries to collect and analyze data, which is used to help solve problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields. A math degree is  a perfect point of entry into this career. The level of education needed in this career depends on where you are seeking employment. Private industry jobs will typically require a master’s degree, but it is possible to find employment, oftentimes with the government, with only a bachelor’s degree.

Median annual wage: $84,060

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 22%

12. Economist

Economists are employed by a variety of institutions, including governments, universities, think tanks, corporations and private research firms, to evaluate economic issues. They spend their days conducting qualitative and quantitative research for organizations in an attempt to solve economic issues or better understand the function of the economy. Depending on their employer, an economist’s duties and role might vary. For example, an economist working in government might formulate policy proposals, while an economist working for a private corporation might help the company understand how the economy might affect its business or develop strategies that will help it perform better. Advancement in the field requires a master’s degree or a doctorate, but there are entry-level positions available for candidates with only a bachelor’s degree.

Median annual wage: $102,490

Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree

Likelihood that robots will take your job: 43%

10 Famous People Who Studied Math

1. Steven Anthony “Steve” Ballmer
2. Sergey Brin
3. Marie Curie
4. Felicia Day
5. Brian Duffy
6. Reed Hastings
7. Danica Mae McKellar
8. Harvey Milk
9. Franklin Story Musgrave
10. Alan Turing

To explore options for other majors, click here.