The job market for maths graduates has undergone exponential growth and strategic advancement, with the demand for mathematical skills increasing across various careers. From technology to data sciences and machine learning to analysis, mathematical qualifications have become essential for various exciting and high-paying jobs such as financial analysts, sports data scientists, and roles in the retail industry and drug trials.
According to reports by the Council for Mathematical Sciences, almost 2 million people in the UK are employed in jobs requiring essential maths skills. Moreover, almost 50% of people employed in those jobs earn £29,000 or more against the national average of 19%.
The Institute of Student Employers also suggests that degrees in certain subjects, such as math, economics, and medicine, boost the chances of higher earnings. Students graduating with degrees in mathematics acquire high-level skills and expertise in calculations and processing complex information, active learning, communication, decision-making, and systems analysis, opening avenues for lucrative careers globally.
Learn more about five of the highest paying jobs for maths graduates below. If you want to know more about studying undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD programmes in mathematics at popular Irish universities, arrange a free consultation with SI-Ireland today.
Best Paying Maths Careers
1. Actuarial Sciences and Risk Management
Actuaries undertake risk analysis by calculating the probability of events such as death, natural disasters, and accidents through complex statistical data analysis. Actuarial sciences also involve developing strategies to minimise risks and drafting reports for stakeholders, such as insurance service providers.
- Popular jobs are in asset and liability management for insurance or risk control
- A bachelor’s degree in Mathematics is a minimum requirement
- Typical salaries in this field average around €80-90,000
2. Cryptology
The explosive growth of the digital economy worldwide has created a huge demand for cryptographers. There is an increased requirement for cryptology jobs in information security, password protection, anti-virus and other computer science applications in different organisations.
- A huge number of cryptographers have graduate degrees in Mathematics
- The top 10% of annual salaries in this field average around €85,000
3. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Maths graduates possess highly prized skill sets for logical thinking, numeracy and the ability to develop technological solutions for complicated issues. Their computing and IT skills are in demand for conducting research and finding solutions for the business, healthcare, engineering and IT industries.
- Doctoral degrees are required for Computing and Information Research Scientists, although entry-level jobs hire graduates or bachelor degree holders as well
- Six-figure annual salaries are easy to get with a few years of experience
4. Financial Analysts
Financial analysts are responsible for making investment decisions based on complex modelling of financial market data. They use acquired mathematical skills to help in portfolio management, risk control, and forecasting financial market trends. Experts with financial analysis skills are highly sought after in the financial sector, banks, growth funds, and investment industry.
- Bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs and master's or PhD qualifications for advanced high-expertise roles
- Average annual salaries are around €70,000
5. Data Scientists or Statisticians
Statisticians and Data Scientists evaluate and analyse appropriate data to develop statistical theories and resolve business, engineering and scientific challenges through research and experimentation. Data scientists play pivotal roles in various fields, including big data analytics, scientific research, robotics, genetic decoding, machine learning and behavioural prediction.
- Master’s and PhD degrees are required in most cases
- Due to the shortage of experienced data scientists, salaries often go as high as €250,000
Study Mathematics in Ireland
If you want to study mathematics in Ireland and secure a highly paid career, book a free consultation with SI-Ireland and learn more about the university application and student visa processes.
