Mathematician Salary in 2026
How Much Do Mathematicians Make?
Mathematicians earn a median annual salary of $121,680 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $63,430 at the 10th percentile to $187,660 at the 90th percentile — a range of $124,230. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $154,480.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,430 |
| 25th percentile | $85,720 |
| Median (50th) | $121,680 |
| 75th percentile | $153,340 |
| 90th percentile | $187,660 |
Mathematician Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $154,480 |
| California | $143,890 |
| Virginia | $142,150 |
| Washington | $137,180 |
| Maryland | $128,940 |
| Illinois | $127,290 |
| Colorado | $108,500 |
| Florida | $105,370 |
| Nevada | $102,900 |
| New York | $98,620 |
| Ohio | $96,780 |
| New Jersey | $96,620 |
| Michigan | $63,430 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Mathematicians
Mathematician Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$63,430 – $85,720 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$121,680 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$153,340 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $187,660+ |
How to Earn More as a Mathematician
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Mathematicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn $176,000 — $54,320 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($153,340) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Mathematician Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Mathematicianthis career | $121,680 |
| Financial Quantitative Analyst | $80,190 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $140,910 |
| Software Developer | $133,080 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $91,290 |
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SOC: 15-2021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.