10 Jobs for Math Whizzes

1. Actuary
Actuaries deal with risk. They analyze statistical data such as mortality, sickness, injury, disability and retirement rates to figure out their probability of happening and the costs associated with each event. In turn, they create policies for people and companies that minimize the risk and financial impacts of these given situations.

Education: An undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics or actuarial science, or a business-related field such as finance, economics or business.

2. Cost estimator
Cost estimators figure out how much future projects or products will cost and determine which current endeavors are making a profit. They analyze factors such as cost of materials, labor, location and duration of the project to help companies decide whether or not to pursue a project.

Education: Construction employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management or building science. Employers in manufacturing prefer someone with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics or engineering.

3. Economist
Economists identify problems and solutions within the distribution and production of goods and services such as land, labor and raw materials. They research, analyze and monitor economic trends, and use math models to answer economic questions.

Education: A master's degree or Ph.D. in economics is typically required.

4. Electrical engineer
Electrical engineers design new and better electronics. They work on high-tech assignments for products such as cars, robots, cell phones, and radar and navigation systems, for example.

Education: A college degree in electrical engineering, along with courses in mathematics and physical and life sciences.

5. Physicist
Physicists study the natural world. They perform experiments and conduct research to develop theories related to laws of nature, energy, motion and matter.

Education: You usually need a doctoral degree (Ph.D.).

6. Market researcher
Market researchers examine market conditions to determine potential sales of product or service. They usually conduct polls or surveys to assess factors that will affect the sale of a product.

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for many market research jobs, but a master's degree may be required for technical positions.

7. Mathematician
There are two types of mathematicians: theoretical and applied. Theoretical mathematicians develop new principles of math and look for new developments in existing principles. Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics and business problems.

Education: A Ph.D. in mathematics usually is the minimum educational requirement.

8. Statistician
Statisticians apply statistical and mathematical theories to collect, analyze and interpret numerical data to provide usable information. Some statisticians, for example, may collect data to learn how safe new products are before the products can be sold.

Education: A master's degree in statistics or mathematics is the minimum educational requirement, but research and academic jobs generally require a Ph.D.

9. Surveyor
Fighting with your neighbor about where to put the fence in your backyard? Ask a surveyor for help. Surveyors measure and draw what the Earth's surface looks like, determining official land, air and water boundaries. They write descriptions of land for deeds, leases and other legal documents; define airspace for airports; and take measurements of construction and mineral sites.

Education: A bachelor's degree in surveying or a related field; every state requires that surveyors be licensed.

10. Mathematical science teacher, post-secondary
Post-secondary mathematical science faculty teach university and college students. Typically they teach several courses within the mathematics field, such as calculus, statistics and algebra.

Education: Four-year colleges and universities usually require candidates to hold a doctoral degree.