Skip to content
Boston Career Explorer

Computer and Mathematical

Mathematicians

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

Also called: Agent-Based Modeler, Computational Mathematician, Computational Scientist, Cryptographer, Cryptographic Vulnerability Analyst, Mathematician

Median pay in Greater Boston
$104,190
$50.09/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
40
Massachusetts 2024–2034
Not published
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Master's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$72,030$81,510$104,190$104,600$149,520

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
  • Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
  • Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
  • Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
  • Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
  • Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure92 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 99
  • Language-model AIOE 80
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 98

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

Mathematicians have higher AI exposure, and observed AI use is already substantial. AI tools can help with exploring assumptions, analyzing problems, and drafting reports. Developing new ideas, mentoring others, and sharing research with colleagues rely on human judgment and conversation.

Likely to change

  • Testing sets of assumptions and their results
  • Drafting reports and research summaries

Still relies on people

  • Developing new mathematical principles and ideas
  • Mentoring others and talking with peers

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Computer and Information Research Scientists

    Theory and problem-solving carry over to new technology work. It has 15.5% projected growth, a $170,510 Boston median, and typically needs a master's degree.

    Pay difference
    +$66,320 median
    AI exposure
    Higher
    MA growth
    +15.5%
    To get started
    Master's degree

  • Software Developers

    Analytical thinking and careful testing carry over. Software developers earn a $166,090 Boston median and typically need a bachelor's degree.

    Pay difference
    +$61,900 median
    AI exposure
    Higher
    MA growth
    +7.7%
    To get started
    Bachelor's degree

  • Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

    Mentoring and explaining technical ideas carry over to teaching. This role has a $128,640 Boston median but typically needs a doctoral degree.

    Pay difference
    +$24,450 median
    AI exposure
    Higher
    MA growth
    +6.3%
    To get started
    Doctoral or professional degree

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

41 programs near Boston (plus 32 graduate)

Related occupations

Talk to a career coach

A coach at the Office of Workforce Development can help you plan your next step, and connect you with training, apprenticeships and City partner programs that are not listed here.

Talk to a career coach