After your studies in Mathematics
Mathematical expertise is in demand across many fields, and competition for jobs is low. Average salaries are high and career prospects are strong, and with the development of AI, demand has increased further. Here you will find examples of what you can do after your studies.
What does a mathematician do?
As a mathematician, you are often involved in research and development, solving problems, analysing data, performing statistical analyses, or optimising processes. You work in organisations that require advanced mathematical or statistical methods. Examples of areas you can work in include:
- optimisation of resources with regard to environmental and economic factors
- development of future vehicles
- encryption for secure communication
- programming and development of IT solutions
- testing of new pharmaceuticals
- opinion and market research
- risk assessment of stock portfolios
- pricing of options or insurance
- modelling and numerical computations in research and development
- education
Examples of job titles among our alumni
- Systems Developer
- Quantitative Analyst
- Computational Engineer
- Software Developer
- Statistician
- Data Scientist
- Portfolio Manager
- Optimisation Specialist
- PhD Student
- Researcher
Examples of employers
Mathematicians often work in technology and consulting companies, pharmaceutical companies, banks or insurance firms, as well as in government and municipal organisations. Some examples of employers include:
- Volvo
- Ziklo Bank
- SAAB
- University of Gothenburg / Chalmers
- AstraZeneca
- Swedbank
- Jeppesen
- Andra AP-fonden (Swedish National Pension Fund)
Career opportunities are also strong from an international perspective.
The job market for mathematicians
Mathematical expertise is in demand across almost all sectors and industries. Today, advanced mathematical methods and models are used not only in traditional technical and scientific contexts but also in a wide range of new areas. Mathematics is, for example, a fundamental tool when planning flight routes, encrypting messages, pricing options or insurance premiums, testing pharmaceuticals, developing computer games or search engines, and much more. As a result, the need for professional mathematical expertise has increased across many areas of the labour market.
- The job market for mathematicians is strong, and competition for jobs is considered low. There are more positions than graduates, both for recent graduates and experienced professionals.
Read more about the job market for mathematicians on Naturvetarna’s website
- SACO’s report on future prospects for natural scientists presents a very positive outlook for mathematicians and statisticians. Demand for mathematical expertise is increasing across more industries and fields as mathematical models and applications become increasingly complex.
Report from SACO on future prospects for various academic professions (in Swedish)
Salary levels for mathematicians
- According to Naturvetarna’s salary statistics from 2022, the average salary for a mathematician was SEK 67,000 per month. The salary range for a mathematician was between SEK 36,800 and SEK 85,500 per month.
- A mathematician has an average salary only 4% lower than that of a physician and 40% higher than that of an engineer. This is shown in a study conducted by the advisory firm Max Matthiesen. The study also shows that mathematicians are the professional group with the highest salary relative to how difficult it is to gain admission to the programme.