What jobs can you get with a math PhD?

A PhD in Mathematics opens doors to diverse careers in academia (professor), tech (data scientist, machine learning), finance (actuary, quant), government/national labs (researcher, analyst), and specialized fields like operations research, engineering, and even law or medicine, leveraging advanced problem-solving, modeling, and analytical skills for roles from teaching to complex algorithm development and data analysis.

What jobs can a math PhD get?

Mathematics phd jobs

• Pure Mathematics Specialist – Freelance AI Trainer Project. ...
• Mathematics Expert (Master's / PhD) ...
• Mathematics Expert (Masters/PhDs) ...
• Mathematics Expert (Masters/PhDs) ...
• Part-Time Research & Editorial Assistant – Theoretical Physics / Mathematics. ...
• Create a profile on Indeed. ...
• Adjunct Instructor - Mathematics.

Is a PhD in mathematics useful?

There are many career paths beyond academia that require significantly more mathematical background than an undergraduate education typically offers. For example, many finance and tech companies have positions that require either a PhD in math (or related area) or extremely extensive industry experience.

How much do math PhDs get paid?

As of Dec 30, 2025, the average annual pay for a Math Phd in the United States is $58,837 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $28.29 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,131/week or $4,903/month.

What is the hardest PhD to get?

The hardest PhDs to get often involve intense math, abstract theory, or extremely competitive, long programs, with top contenders including Theoretical Physics, Pure Mathematics, Astrophysics, and Computer Science (Theory), alongside highly demanding dual degrees like the MD-PhD, due to their extreme competitiveness and extensive time commitment. The difficulty also stems from market saturation, requiring exceptional research, and the sheer mental endurance needed for groundbreaking, often frustrating, experimental work, making fields like Biology, Chemistry, and Neuroscience also very challenging. 

What Do You Do With a PhD in Math?

What PhD is most in demand?

The most in-demand PhD degrees focus on high-growth, innovation-driven sectors, particularly STEM fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Data Science, alongside critical areas like Cybersecurity, Health Sciences (Nursing, Pharmacy), and Business/Economics, offering strong earning potential and diverse career paths in research, tech, and leadership. Applied doctorates (DNP, DPA) also show fast growth in healthcare, while traditional PhDs in fields like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology remain valuable for research and development. 

Is Taylor Swift a PhD?

Yes, Taylor Swift has an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) degree from New York University (NYU), which she received in 2022, but it's an honorary title, not an earned academic doctorate like a PhD, meaning she didn't complete coursework for it but was recognized for her significant achievements in music and culture. She also delivered the commencement address for NYU's graduating classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 at that event.
 

What is the dropout rate for math PhD?

Attrition rates for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in the United States across the fields of engineering, life sciences, social sciences, mathematics and physical sciences, and humanities range from 36 – 51%.

How much do JP Morgan mathematicians make?

Mathematician professionals working at J.P. Morgan will earn between $7,800 and $13,210 monthly.

What are common PhD career paths?

Navigating career pathways

• Research in academia & government.
• Research in industry.
• Business & commercial development.
• Academic & research administration.
• Policy, legal & regulatory affairs.
• Public health, medical testing & patient care.
• Science education & outreach.
• Science communication & publishing.

How rare is a math PhD?

Over the last 20 years the number of PhDs awarded in mathematics has nearly doubled, from 1050 in 2000 to over 2000 in 2019. During this period, PhDs in mathematics were awarded by nearly 250 different institutions of higher education, with over 60% awarded by the 54 institutions in Table 1.

Did Bill Gates go to Math 55?

Yes, Bill Gates took Harvard's notoriously difficult freshman math course, Math 55, and successfully completed it alongside graduate-level computer science classes before dropping out to found Microsoft. Math 55, officially titled "Honors Advanced Calculus and Linear Algebra," condenses years of math into one year, covering topics like abstract algebra and real/complex analysis, and is known for challenging even gifted students, though Gates wasn't always at the very top.
 

What are the top 5 math careers?

The top 10 math careers in 2024

• Auditor: $79,880. ...
• Data or research analyst: $74,680. ...
• Computer programmer: $99,700. ...
• Medical scientist: $100,890. ...
• Financial analyst: $99,890. ...
• Statistician: $104,860. ...
• Actuary: $120,000. ...
• Economist: $115,730.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

The most prominent "$400,000 job without a college degree" discussed in recent news is a Walmart Supercenter Store Manager, where compensation can reach that level through a combination of increased base pay (around $128k average), significant bonuses (up to 200% of base), and annual stock grants (up to $20k) for top performers, making the role lucrative for those rising from hourly work. Other paths to high income without a degree include skilled trades, tech sales, and specialized roles like power plant operators, often achieved through skills-based training, certificates, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree.
 

How hard is getting a PhD in math?

Is a PhD in Mathematics Hard? Yes, a PhD in Mathematics is hard. Doctoral studies that require advanced knowledge of mathematics would be extremely difficult for most people. Whether you choose to pursue a PhD in Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics, you will encounter complex theoretical concepts.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

You can earn $3,000 a month without a degree in roles like Dental/Medical Assistant (with short training), skilled trades (Electrician, HVAC), Delivery Driver (UPS, FedEx), specialized sales, Real Estate Agent, and some tech roles like AI Trainer or Medical Coder, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or a strong work ethic for entry, with remote options available in customer service or data entry if you have strong computer skills, notes www.nysmda.com, Tallo, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/3000-A-Month-Jobs-No-Degree. 

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k/year are typically highly specialized, experienced professionals, most commonly in Software Engineering, especially in AI, distributed systems, or finance/trading, working at top tech firms or successful startups where total compensation (base + significant stock/bonus) reaches this level. Other potential fields include Electrical Engineering in specialized areas like power/utilities or high-level Project Management roles. 

Do quants make 7 figures?

Yes, top-tier quants at elite firms, especially in revenue-generating roles like quant trading or senior leadership, can make seven figures, but it's not the norm for the majority, with most earning high six figures or less, particularly early in their careers or at less prestigious companies. While many quants earn excellent salaries (e.g., $200k-$700k total comp), hitting the $1 million mark usually requires significant experience, high performance, and working at the best firms, with the potential for even higher earnings (8 figures) for partners or founders. 

What is the entry level salary at J.P. Morgan?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $45,500 and as low as $27,000, the majority of Jpmorgan Chase Entry Level salaries currently range between $32,500 (25th percentile) to $37,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $41,000 annually across the United States.

Is a 3.4 GPA too low for PhD?

A 3.4 GPA isn't automatically too low for a PhD, but it's below the typical 3.5-4.0 range for highly competitive programs; however, strong research experience, a compelling statement, excellent letters of recommendation, a high GPA in relevant courses, or a strong Master's performance can compensate, showing potential beyond grades. Your overall application, including research, skills, and fit with a specific program and faculty, matters more than GPA alone. 

What is the ideal age to do a PhD?

Debunking the Notion of a Right Age for a PhD

• The majority of students and early career researchers in academia or pursuing research interests are usually focused on getting a PhD at some phase of their career. ...
• Simply put, there is no correlation between age and starting a PhD and successfully pursuing it.

What is the unemployment rate for math PhD?

Historical Data for Mathematics PhDs

In a typical year, around 50 (i.e. around 4 percent) are unemployed at the time they graduate.

What is Taylor Swift's GPA?

Taylor Swift maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in high school, graduating from Aaron Academy after completing her junior and senior years through homeschooling to accommodate her music career, demonstrating strong academic performance alongside her musical success. 

Does Kanye West have a PhD?

In May 2015, West was awarded an honorary doctorate by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for his contributions to music, fashion, and popular culture.

Who is the only artist to refuse to accept a Grammy?

The only person to refuse a Grammy is Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor, who in 1991 rejected the award for Best Alternative Music Performance for her album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, protesting the music industry's commercialism and false values. She famously skipped the ceremony and sent an open letter to the Recording Academy, calling for greater artistic integrity and an end to prioritizing material gain.