Mathematics
What Mathematics Graduates Do
Your career could begin in one of two very different environments: a tech company or a high school. As an entry-level data scientist, you’ll spend your days using programming languages like Python to sift through massive datasets, building predictive models to answer critical business questions. As a secondary school teacher, you’ll command a classroom, breaking down complex topics like calculus on a whiteboard and mentoring students.
While initial salaries vary, your path progresses with experience. You could advance from a data analyst to a senior data scientist leading projects, or eventually to a natural sciences manager overseeing a research department, where earnings can more than double. Demand is exploding for data-focused roles in particular, creating significant opportunities for growth.
Software and AI are automating routine calculations, changing the nature of this work. However, this shift places a premium on the human skills of framing the right questions, interpreting results for a non-technical audience, and making strategic decisions. You’ll learn to work alongside these powerful tools, not be replaced by them.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship occupation related to Mathematics. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Scientist
RAPIDS 2079CB |
Competency | Competency | $83K – $112,590 – $156K | 33.5% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Mathematics
2 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walla Walla University College Place, WA |
56 49–59 |
$67,328/yr | 19.4x |
| 2 | Lemoore College Lemoore, CA |
45 39–48 |
$16,986/yr | 60.4x |
Highest Earning Mathematics Programs
Schools where Mathematics graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Walla Walla University | $67,328/yr | 56 |
| Lemoore College | $16,986/yr | 45 |
Best ROI for Mathematics
Schools with the highest earnings-to-tuition ratio for Mathematics.
| School | ROI Multiple | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemoore College | 60.4x | $16,986/yr | 45 |
| Walla Walla University | 19.4x | $67,328/yr | 56 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Mathematics degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.