Mathematician

A mathematician develops, tests, and applies mathematical theories, models, and computational methods to solve complex problems in research, industry, or government sectors. They conduct original mathematical research, design algorithms, analyse data using statistical and computational techniques, and translate theoretical findings into practical applications for engineering, finance, science, or policy development.

Develop and prove mathematical theorems and lemmas using rigorous logical methods. Construct mathematical models to represent real-world phenomena in physics, engineering, biology, or economics. Design and implement algorithms for numerical computation, optimisation, or data analysis. Conduct statistical analysis and hypothesis testing on large datasets using software such as R, Python, or MATLAB. Perform peer review of mathematical research papers and grant applications for academic journals and funding bodies. Present research findings at conferences, seminars, and in peer-reviewed publications. Collaborate with researchers from other disciplines to formulate mathematical solutions to domain-specific problems. Apply cryptographic and number-theoretic methods to develop secure communication systems or protocols.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Moving into this role means you'll need to prove mastery of advanced pure and applied maths, often through a postgraduate degree. Career changers struggle because employers want someone who can hit the ground running with theorem-proving or algorithm design, not someone relearning calculus. Pay growth can flatten unless you move into senior research leadership roles.

Finance and insurance firms also hire mathematicians. Remote work is uncommon because research collaboration and peer review usually happen in-person at institutions.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2241, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracycore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboardscore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Improvement Identificationcore
• Report Writingcore
• Reporting and Analyticscore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Digital Literacy
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Process Documentation
• Risk Identification
• Stakeholder Communication
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Verbal Communication
• Workload Self-Management

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026