STEM Zone 5: Extensive Preparation

Mathematical Science Teachers

Mathematical Science Teachers earn $79,940 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $61,690 and $105,000. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.

About Mathematical Science Teachers

Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.


Median Wage
$79,940
Employed Nationally
48K
Openings / Year
4,400
Entry Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Job Zone
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation

Also known as:

Actuarial Science Professor Actuarial Science Teacher Adjunct Instructor Adjunct Mathematics Instructor Adjunct Professor

How Much Do Mathematical Science Teachers Make?

Mathematical Science Teachers earn $79,940 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,690 and $105,000. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.

$79,940
National Median (Annual)

Above the national median for college graduates.

$62K–$105K
Middle 50% Range

25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.


Earnings Range

The mean wage for this occupation is $91,550, above the median. A concentration of very high earners pulls the average up. The median is the better gauge of typical pay.

What Do Mathematical Science Teachers Do?

O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Mathematical Science Teachers roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.

What You'll Do

  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

Core Skills Employers Look For

Mathematics Speaking Active Listening Instructing Reading Comprehension

Who Thrives Here

S
Social

Working closely with people, teaching, advising, or helping others navigate challenges is a defining feature of this career's daily work.

I
Investigative

This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.

C
Conventional

Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.

Where Do Mathematical Science Teachers Work?

What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.

Work Setting
Mixed

Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.

Physical Demands
Light

Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.

Stress Level
Low

Low time pressure. Work pace is typically steady and self-directed.

What Is the Job Outlook for Mathematical Science Teachers?

The BLS projects +2.3% employment change for Mathematical Science Teachers through 2034, below the national average of +5%. About 4,400 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.

↗ +2.3%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)

Slower than average.

4,400
Annual Openings

New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.

48K
Currently Employed

Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.

Where the Jobs Are

The five states below employ the most Mathematical Science Teachers professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $79,940 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.

# State Jobs Median Wage vs. National
1 Texas 4,560 $79,350 -0.7%
2 New York 4,170 $99,460 +24.4%
3 Florida 4,110 $76,270 -4.6%
4 California 3,910 $130,750 +63.6%
5 Illinois 2,230 $68,480 -14.3%

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →

How to Get Here

Most Mathematical Science Teachers positions require a doctoral or professional degree to qualify. The 10 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.

Doctoral or professional degree
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation

Extensive education (usually a master's or doctoral degree) plus years of field experience is required to qualify for most positions.


Degree Programs That Lead Here

# Program Graduates/yr 4yr Median Colleges
1 Management Sciences 56,747 $86,176 593
2 Teaching Specific Subjects 40,101 $51,389 1,276
3 Mathematics 27,179 $69,562 1,491
4 Applied Mathematics 11,635 $91,532 417
5 Statistics 9,944 $92,425 281
6 Philosophy 9,331 $54,455 916
7 Biomathematics 3,505 $86,713 216
8 Mathematics and Computer Science 1,489 $118,943 98
9 Mathematics and Statistics 671 $88,839 49
10 Applied Statistics 541 31

Top Colleges for Aspiring Mathematical Science Teachers

Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.

# College UCD Score Net Price Salary 10yr
1 United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD 97
2 United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO 96
3 United States Military Academy West Point, NY 96
4 Princeton University Princeton, NJ 94 $6,128 $110,066
5 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY 93 $3,033 $75,971
6 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 93 $12,548 $82,511

Plan Your Path

Once you've sized up Mathematical Science Teachers, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.

Mathematical Science Teachers Pros & Cons

The data on Mathematical Science Teachers shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.

PROS
  • Above-average pay At $79,940 median annually, this career pays meaningfully more than most college-graduate roles. Financial return on education is typically strong.
  • High earning ceiling Top earners (75th percentile) reach $105,000 annually. Strong performers, specialists, and those in high-cost markets have significant upside beyond the median.
CONS
  • Slow job growth At +2.3% projected growth, this career lags the national average. Limited expansion means stiffer competition for openings that do appear.
  • High education requirement Most employers require a doctoral or professional degree, typically 6 to 10+ years of higher education before earning full wages. Factor tuition costs into your ROI calculation.

Mathematical Science Teachers Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Mathematical Science Teachers professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Mathematical Science Teachers is $79,940, above the national median for full-time workers. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,690 and $105,000. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Mathematical Science Teachers a good career?
Yes, for the right person, but the commitment is significant. The $79,940 median wage reflects years of training most workers invest, and the path to a first career-level role typically spans 8 to 12 or more years. Research salary outcomes at specific programs, not just the national median, before committing to a graduate path.
How long does it take to become a Mathematical Science Teachers?
Plan on 8 to 12 or more years of combined education and supervised training before qualifying for career-level roles. A doctoral or professional degree is the typical minimum credential. Degree programs like Management Sciences are typical entry paths. Early-career pay during this ramp-up period will be meaningfully below the $79,940 national median. Factor that gap into any program ROI calculation.
Is a doctoral or professional degree worth it to become a Mathematical Science Teachers?
It depends heavily on program cost. At $79,940 median, expensive graduate school debt can take 20 or more years to recover. In-state public schools, employer-sponsored programs, or income-driven repayment make the strongest case. School choice (specifically tuition cost and your expected local job market) matters as much as the credential itself.
What is the job outlook for Mathematical Science Teachers?
The BLS projects +2.3% employment change for Mathematical Science Teachers through 2034, slower than average compared to all occupations. About 4,400 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 48K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Mathematical Science Teachers professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Mathematical Science Teachers roles: Mathematics, Speaking, Active Listening, Instructing, and Reading Comprehension. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.

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