Mathematics, a subject we all are aware of. Many people used to fear maths in their childhood days but many were fond of it also. Few person’s fondness turned into a career as a mathematician. 

What is a Mathematician?

A mathematician is a person who applies their extensive knowledge of mathematics in their work. Mathematicians include all the people from a middle school algebra teacher to a computer programmer. Some mathematicians research to develop new theories while other mathematicians use the theories to solve everyday problems.

What are the types of Mathematicians? 

There are mainly two types of mathematicians – 

Theoretical mathematicians – These type of mathematicians’ research and develop new theories to resolve the unexplained issues in mathematics. They are primarily concerned to develop theories for increasing knowledge and a better understanding of the field. Theory plays an important aspect in mathematician’s job. Formulas and models are used by a mathematician to support or reject the theories.

Applied mathematicians – These types of mathematicians use the theories and techniques to solve practical problems. These mathematicians solve problems with applications in real life. They work routinely to study and formulate the mathematical models. They look into the use of mathematical models in the field of science, engineering, and business.

Despite the differences, many areas of mathematics frequently overlap. So, mathematicians mostly applied theoretical and applied knowledge in their job duties. 

How to become a Mathematician?

The basic requirement to become a mathematician is formal education. The initial stage of a mathematician begins with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. The Bachelor’s degree covers the linear and abstract algebra, calculus and differential equations. Students can also choose minor in the field of computer science, statistics, engineering, and physics. These will help students to enhance their skills and job marketability. Upon completion of a Bachelor’s degree, graduates can apply for entry-level mathematician job positions.

Candidates aspiring to advance in mathematician careers needs a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. Employers in the private sector or at academic institutions opt for an advanced degree. At an advanced level, students have to choose between theoretical and applied mathematics. Students who want to work in a college or university should prefer a Ph.D. while students interested to work in company management, manufacturing or research and development should opt for a master’s degree.

What is the average pay of Mathematicians?

A mathematician normally earns a median salary of $103,360 per year. The best-paying industries for a mathematician are Scientific Research and Research and development. The average median pay of Scientific Research is $118,030 while the average pay of Research and development is $116, 860.

The median pay of mathematicians is higher than all other occupations. It is found that the demand for mathematicians has increased by 23% while other occupations have just increased by 11 %.

Listing of Top Mathematician’s in the World

Isaac Newton (1642- 1727) – He is undoubtedly one of the most greatest mathematician of all time. He invented calculus, built the first reflecting telescope and helped the classical mechanics with his seminal work.

Carl Gauss (1777 – 1855) – He was considered the greatest mathematician of all time. He published “Arithmetical Investigations”, which laid out the tenets of number theory.

John Von Neumann (1903 – 1957) – He received his Ph.D. in Mathematics at the age of just 22 years. He designed the architecture under which every computer is built in the planet.

Alan Turing (1912 – 1954) – He was a British mathematician and popularly known as the Father of Computer Science. He designed the Turing machine which is the backbone of how computers operate today.

Benoit Mandelbrot (1924 – 2010) – He was born in Poland and studied in Paris. He discovered the fractal geometry which is used to design the cell phone antennas and computer chips.