George Cantor once said, “the essence of mathematics lies in its freedom.’
And when you look closely, you’ll realise that this is true not only on a theoretical level but practically too. In fact, maths has invaded all parts of human life. Mathematics and Science govern basic and complicated laws of the universe.
Thanks to groundbreaking studies and mathematical innovation, technology is booming. These extend to the health, transport, agriculture economics, and education sectors. And these changes are all dependent on those with math degree jobs.
In this article, we will look at exactly what is required to start a journey to math degree jobs as well as a list of careers in mathematics.
If you love numbers, you will find many well-paid jobs using maths degree in today’s data-driven economy. In fact, when it comes to careers related to mathematics, you will eligible for several professional institutes.
Even when mathematics is not needed for the core function of a business, there still exist math degree jobs within organisations to survive in the 21st century.

Maths forms the basis of many undergraduate degrees which means that when it comes to mathematics graduate jobs, careers related to mathematics are wide-ranging. These can be anything from computer science to accounting, astronomy, teaching, medical science, and much more.
When it comes to mathematics graduate jobs, the scope is not limited to positions that only solve equations and textbook-type problems.
Careers related to mathematics can be truly exciting where the graduate is equipped and trained to use logical thinking in order to apply feasible and optimised solutions for practical life problems.
Job recruiters who specialise in careers related to mathematics are always on the lookout for one key skill called modelling. Modelling is a tool that enables people who are in jobs using maths degree to come up with multi-faceted and complex problems.
Mathematics graduate jobs require that the employee uses proofs in order to either prove or disapprove mathematical arguments and phenomena.
If you want to apply for jobs using maths degree, you will need to master the art of logical deconstruction and then, line by line, reconstructing it into a combination of other mathematical models that include reasoning, formulae, proofs, theories, figures, and theorems to come up with concrete solutions for a prevailing issue.
Careers related to mathematics require core skills for initiating logical, coherent, and analytic mathematical arguments, all of these university learnt skills are guaranteed to be used in mathematics graduate jobs for years to come.
What Math Degree Jobs Are Available to Graduates?
Let’s take a look at some of the most sought-after jobs using maths degree in South Africa, as well as a few average salaries.
Examples of Average Salaries for Careers Related to Mathematics
- Economist
Average basic Salary: R319,269 per annum ("p.a."), with the potential of earning up to R900k p.a. for those with around 20 years of experience.
The job of the economist is to study and analyse the effects of resources of a country or an organisation. The resources in question could be anything from labour, land, raw materials, etc. Their role is to find out the impact of these resources and their effects on the budget, as well as how they affect government and industry. Financial mathematics is key for the position of economist.
- Stockbroker
Average basic Salary: R215 000 per annum
Stockbrokers are responsible for selling stocks on stock exchanges on behalf of their clients. They purchase and sell mutual bonds, stocks, and other securities for all kinds of clients.
- Maths Teacher
Average basic Salary: R235 000 p.a.
Salaries in the field of education are obviously wide-ranging. A high school maths teacher is probably not going to reach the earning potential of Maths tutors who are professors who usually work in a university.
For the professor, besides teaching students, their job may include conducting research projects on behalf of the university. One can become a maths lecturer or a mathematics teacher depending upon the level of education.
Find out more about jobs as a professional mathematician here.
- Insurance Underwriter
Average basic Salary: R238 000 p.a.
These graduates are responsible for assessing and analysing the potential risks that may affect insuring potential policy holders.
- Accountant
Average basic Salary: R590 000 p.a.
The job of the accountant is to assist industry, business and governmental managers to prepare and analyse financial reports.
- Astronomer
Average basic Salary: R250 000 per annum
Astronomists conduct studies that use maths and physics principles to understand the universe better.
- Actuary
Average basic salary: R710 000 per annum
Actuaries study, analyse and model vast amounts of data and interpret important statistics that assist to figure out the probabilities of events and occurrences like accidents, storms, deaths, sickness, loss of property, etc.
- Financial Planner
Average basic Salary: R264 000 per annum
Financial Planners have the responsibility of money management like insurance, assets, investments, and much more.
- Statistician
Average basic Salary: R348 000 per annum
Statisticians use the numerical data gathered through experiments and surveys to tabulate, analyse and interpret data.
- Meteorologist
Average basic Salary: R348 000 per annum
The job of the meteorologist is to study and interpret the physical and motion characteristics of elements, naturally occurring events on earth, and other related processes.
Remember that these are average salary guidelines provided by Payscale. Exact salaries depend on the level of education and experience when it comes to careers related to mathematics
For more tips on what prospects you have as maths graduates and students check here on Superprof.

Other Sought-After Jobs Using Maths Degrees
Take a look at this list of job descriptions for various careers in mathematics:
- Computer System Analyst
The job of a computer system analyst is to optimise the needs of customers and users in an organisation by improving the efficiency of their systems. This includes a lot of data gathering from organisational teams in order to streamline feasible practice.
An undergraduate degree related to information sciences is usually a good start to apply for a computer system analyst position.
- Database Administrator
Data administrators are responsible for the maintenance, control, and improvement of computer systems that store databases. They are in constant interaction with users to make improvements and are able to create new databases when necessary.
- Mathematician
In jobs using maths degree, the incumbent is responsible for carrying out wide-ranging research in maths by using mathematical principles that can be applied to real-world scenarios.
The minimum requirement to be qualified for a mathematics researcher position a Master’s degree.
- Operation Research Analyst
The operation research analyst uses advanced maths and analytical skills to support an organisation through the investigation of issues and solving of various problems.
These math degree jobs require at the very least, a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Logistician
A company logistician keeps track of the supply process of a product from supplier to consumer. This includes the entire life cycle from acquisition to distribution, allocation, and delivery.
- Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers make use of spreadsheets along with specialised bookkeeping software and management systems to record transactions, cross-check financial records, and manage statements.
You may also want to investigate the following list of careers in mathematics:
- Quantitative Analyst Graduate
- Apprentice Teacher
- Business Intelligence Manager
- Field Service Engineer
Consider enrolling in a math online class to strengthen your mathematical skills and enhance your understanding of key concepts from the comfort of your home.

Other Skills for a Career in Maths
By now, you should have a good idea of the list of careers in mathematics that is available to you.
Your value as a maths professional increases when you have working knowledge of computer skills and programming languages like CSS, HTML, Java, etc. Remember that maths is used extensively in fields related to software engineering and computer science.
A math class like statistics, probability, linear algebra, partial differential equations, physics, algorithm analysis, and calculus make us up the fundamentals for degrees in science and engineering. The options are extensive when it comes to the list of careers in mathematics that are available.
If you don’t want to follow a career in computer science, just the inclusion of these skills on your CV makes the long list of careers in mathematics even more accessible to you.
If you love maths but want to follow a career as a lawyer, engineer, or doctor, you could have the edge over your contemporaries who don’t like maths. There’s no doubt that maths skills are helpful to ace jobs in all of these fields.
Alternatively, if you feel that becoming a maths tutor is the job for you, then check out how to become a maths tutor here.
Whether you opt for one of the careers related to mathematics as discussed in this article, or apply your maths skills to an entirely different field, using maths will lead to a high level of job satisfaction.
Finally, consider taking a GMAT exam to improve the quality of your CV or if you are considering studying or working abroad.