Finding a Career in Numbers

Updated: August 20, 2024

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A career in numbers takes a certain type of person. If you don't mind focusing for hours on number crunching, solving numerical problems, or analytical thinking a career in numbers could be right for you. Perhaps you love the idea of balancing financial books, calculating statistical probabilities or feel accomplished after analyzing your way to the bottom line.

Another consideration is that most numbers careers involve sitting at a desk, a computer, and calculator. Be prepared for a rather sedentary work life, but it can be a lucrative one. A recent survey at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals some "number" careers can result in an above-average livelihood — with salaries ranging from a bookkeeper at $40,240 a year up to more than $100,000 yearly as an actuary or economist. A career in numbers can be rewarding and challenging. Are you up for it?

Let's take a look at what a "numbers" has to offer and how you go about beginning a career that revolves around your ability and fondness of working with numbers. Your personality might be the perfect fit for this type of career.

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IS A NUMBERS CAREER RIGHT FOR YOU?

A career in numbers does not mean you need to be a human calculator to succeed. Here are some common characteristics of people who have careers in numbers.

  • Think analytically
  • Solve numerical equations
  • Work in an office environment
  • Focus on details
  • Organize and categorize transactions and concepts
  • Base decisions on logic as opposed to emotion
  • Curious about statistics of everyday events, such as sports and weather
  • Understand spatial, abstract and quantitative relationships

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Getting Started in a Numbers Career

Getting started in a numbers career is no different from most other careers. Volunteer work and especially internships while in college are great resume-builders and experience that employers look for when hiring entry-level people.

Finding Volunteer Work and Internships in Numbers

A great way to gain experience and build a resume is to find volunteer positions or internships with companies where you'd like to get your foot in the door. Most internships are unpaid, but academic credits are given and some can be done virtually from anywhere. Here are a few helpful websites to get you moving in the right direction:

  • Internships: Seek an intern opportunity in numerous fields. Search by company, location, and position.
  • Experience: Find an internship that fits your career path. Search by major, location,
  • VolunteerMatch: Lists hundreds of opportunities in a variety of non-profit industries that can offer experience as well as lending a helping hand to those in need.
  • NetworkForGood: Can help you find an administrative position at a local non-profit.

Finding a Professional Organization in Numbers

Joining one or more professional networks is a great way to meet those who share your career interests. Most organizations offer educational opportunities and resources that are helpful in professional development. Networking with others can also help in beginning or advancing your career. Find one that matches your career path.

  • American Statistical Association (ASA): ASA is a great resource for those interested in a career built around analyzing statistics. Find career education and resources, news, and more.
  • Association for Financial Professionals (AFP): Connect online with other like-minded financial analysts and industry professionals. Network and join discussions that focus on the latest market trends, opportunities, and solutions.
  • Be an Actuary: This organization can offer a plethora of information on becoming an actuary and what they actually do. Learn how to get started, what to study and how to find a job. Also, find resources for scholarships, internships, and jobs.
  • Mathematical Association of America (MAA): The MAA welcomes anyone interested in mathematical sciences. Members can access contests, professional development, and employment opportunities, as well as join in discussion groups and more.

9 Exciting Numbers Careers

Getting started in a numbers career is no different from most other careers. Volunteer work and especially internships while in college are great resume-builders and experience that employers look for when hiring entry-level people.

Accounting Careers

Accountants prepare and analyze accounting records, create financial statements, compute taxes and prepare tax returns. Depending on their role in the business operations they may analyze business operations and prepare reports to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice. Accounts may audit and investigate financial transactions and bankruptcies, as well as oversee the activity of bookkeepers and accounting personnel's daily activities.

Accountants and Auditors
  • Prepare and examine financial records.
  • Check financial records for accuracy, be sure taxes are paid on time.
  • Assess financial operations, ensure organizations run efficiently.
Average salary (BLS): $70,500/yr

Cost Estimator
  • Collect and analyze data.
  • Prepare cost estimates.
  • Specialize in a particular service or product.
Average salary (BLS): $64,040/yr

Financial Manager
  • Responsible for the financial health of an organization.
  • Produce financial reports.
  • Direct investment activities.
  • Develop strategies for company long-term financial goals.
Average salary (BLS): $127,990/yr
Actuary Careers

Simply put, actuaries manage risk. Actuaries are experts in using numbers to evaluate the probability of certain events. They hold key roles on management teams in companies that deal with risk. Actuaries need strong analytical skills, business acumen and a basic understanding of human behavior. They assess the risk and find ways to manage or decrease the risk in favor of more positive options. They determine certain policies and costs to cover risk and subsequent claims resulting from unwanted events.

Insurance Actuary
  • Calculate costs of claims.
  • Determine premiums for policyholders.
  • Assess risk.
Average salary (BLS): $102,880

Private Consulting Actuary
  • Design pension and benefit plans.
  • Evaluate assets and liabilities.
  • Evaluate risk and provide strategic advice.
Average salary (BLS): $102,880

Government Actuary
  • Manage programs.
  • Oversee public companies, ensure compliance with regulatory laws.
  • Assess risk.
Average salary (BLS): $102,880
Engineering Careers

Engineering involves the application of math and science to solve problems, design, build and use of structures. Depending on the type of engineer, they might be involved in construction projects in either the public or private sector, designing machines or developing systems for water supplies and sewage treatment. Engineering requires a lot of analytical thinking and numerical calculations.

Civil Engineer
  • Design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain construction projects.
  • Construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment.
  • Involved in design and build of roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.
Average salary (BLS): $86,640

Environmental Engineer
  • Develop solutions to environmental problems.
  • Assist in efforts to improve recycling and waste disposal.
  • Work on solutions dealing with public health, and water and air pollution control.
Average salary (BLS): $87,620

Mechanical Engineer
  • Design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
  • Find solutions for designing tools, engines, and machines.
Average salary (BLS): $87,370
Computer Science Careers

Computer Science uses computers to solve problems. This involves understanding and designing of computer processes that handle, organize and analyze information. A career in computer science requires a fundamental understanding of algorithms, information processes, mathematics and logic. Computer scientists might design or build software; problem solve for computing problems; or devise new and better ways of using computers.

Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • Invent and design new approaches to computing technology.
  • Find innovative uses for existing technology.
  • Study and solve complex problems in computing for various industries.
Average salary (BLS): $118,370

Computer and Information Systems Managers
  • Plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities.
  • Determine the information technology goals.
  • Responsible for implementing computer systems.
Average salary (BLS): $142,530

Computer Programmer
  • Write and test code for efficiency.
  • Implement program designs for computers.
  • Debug and troubleshoot computer programs.
Average salary (BLS): $84,280
Economic and Financial Analysis Careers

Careers in economics financial analytics can be lucrative, but they can also be hard work. It involves having a clear and thorough understanding of economic patterns and stay informed on market trends worldwide. To give sound advice, analysts research and monitor exchange rates, business trends, taxation, employment rates, inflation, and costs of materials.

Economists
  • Research and analyze economic issues.
  • Conduct surveys and collect data.
  • Analyze data using mathematical models and statistical techniques.
  • Interpret and forecast market trends.
Average salary (BLS): $104,340

Financial Analyst
  • Assess stocks, bonds and other types of investment performance.
  • Study economic trends.
  • Provide guidance for making investment decisions.
Average salary (BLS): $85,660

  • Identify and solve operational problems.
  • Collect and organize information for analysis.
  • Use advanced mathematical and analytical methods for problem solving.
Average salary (BLS): $83,390
Financial Planning

Financial planners help their clients choose investments that fit their lifestyle and finances. They sell financial products and monitor them to help their clients make as much money as possible. They do research so they can give educated advice regarding retirement planning, insurance, college funding, estate planning and general investment analysis.

Personal Financial Advisor
  • Meet with and educate clients on select services and investments.
  • Help clients plan for expenses or retirement.
  • Research investment opportunities.
Average salary (BLS): $88,890

Securities, Commodities and Financial Services Sales Agents
  • Advise clients on purchase or sale of securities, stocks and bonds.
  • Buy and sell commodities.
  • Monitor financial markets and performance of securities.
Average salary (BLS): $64,120

Financial Managers
  • Prepare financial statements, reports, and forecasts.
  • Monitor financial details for compliance.
  • Review company financial reports.
  • Analyze market trends.
Average salary (BLS): $127,990
Mathematics Careers

A career in mathematics takes patience, discipline, and a knack for step-by-step problem-solving. There are many opportunities for those with a substantial background in mathematics, ranging from engineers to mathematicians. The pay range is above average for mathematical careers and most all professional mathematical jobs require a degree. This is a field where an affinity for problem solving and numbers is definitely a must.

Mathematicians
  • Use existing and develop new mathematical formulas and models to prove or disprove theories.
  • Apply mathematical theories to solve problems.
  • Interpret data and report results from the analysis.
Average salary (BLS): $101,900

Physicist or Astronomer
  • Develop scientific theories and models.
  • Plan and conduct scientific experiments.
  • Analyze and complete complex mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data.
  • Design scientific equipment
Average salary (BLS): $105,680

Nuclear Engineers
  • Design or develop nuclear equipment and operational instructions.
  • Direct operating or maintenance activities that they meet safety standards.
  • Gather data that can be used to design preventive measures.
Average salary (BLS): $107,600
Scientific Careers

Numerical formulas are used in almost all science-based careers. Testing, experiments, measuring, reporting facts and research results takes a significant understanding of numbers. Science is what helps humans understand nature, how things work and how best to get the results we are seeking. This is done by observing, collecting data and using calculations to get results that can be compared.

Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists
  • Measure and report about the temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind speed, dew point and other properties of the atmosphere.
  • Prepare weather forecasts using computers, mathematical models, satellites, radar, and local station data.
Average salary (BLS): $94,110

Chemists and Materials Scientists
  • Prepare solutions used in laboratory procedures.
  • Analyze substances and conduct tests on materials and other substances.
  • Write technical reports present research findings.
Average salary (BLS): $99,800

Geoscientists
  • Collect samples and conduct surveys.
  • Analyze materials found and in aerial photographs for size and content.
  • Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field.
Average salary (BLS): $91,130
Statistics Careers

In today's world, numerical data is used more often to enable businesses to understand the economy and trends in the economic markets. Working with statistics involves being able to understand statistical methods, and to collect and analyze data to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, and other fields. Projected growth in these fields is expanding to meet with the need to measure the effectiveness of marketing and business strategies.

Statisticians
  • Determine what data to collect to problem-solve and methods to use.
  • Create surveys, experiments, or opinion polls.
  • Collect, analyze and interpret data
Average salary (BLS): $87,780

Market Research Analysts
  • Forecast marketing and sales trends using current data.
  • Measure marketing programs and strategies for effectiveness.
  • Gather data to analyze using statistical software.
Average salary (BLS): $63,120

Operations Research Analysts
  • Collect data from computer databases, sales, customers and other sources.
  • Examine information and design methods used to analyze it.
  • Use statistical analysis and predictive modeling to develop practical solutions.
  • Check for compliance by monitoring financial details.
Average salary (BLS): $83,390

Expert Insights

  1. What does your job entail as the owner of a financial services company?
  2. What does a chief risk officer do?
  3. Were there any unforeseen perks/drawbacks to your career when you started it?
  4. What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a numbers career?
  5. What kinds of skills do people need to succeed in your field?
Brandon Bramley
Brandon BramleyFounder of The Salary Negotiator
John Morelli
John MorelliChief Risk Officer, CENTUM Financial
Orlando Miner
Orlando MinerFounder, Miner Capital Funding

Resources

  • American Mathematical Society (AMS): Dedicated to mathematical research and scholarship through its publications, meetings, advocacy, and related programs.
  • American Statistical Association(ASA): Association that provides statisticians with career education and resources, news articles, access to its publications, and more.
  • Association for Financial Professionals(AFP): Association dedicated to news, jobs, and networking for financial analyst professionals. This site includes extensive information on macroeconomics and portfolio management.
  • Association of Women in Mathematics (AWM): Encourages women and girls to study and find active careers in mathematics. Promotes equal treatment and opportunities for women in math sciences.
  • Be an Actuary: Includes information on becoming an actuary, studying in college and finding a job.
  • DW Simpson: Chicago-based actuarial and analytics recruitment firm that services the recruitment of actuaries and analytical professionals throughout the U.S. and around the world.
  • Math for America: Association aiming to make "teaching a viable, rewarding and respected career choice for the best minds in science and mathematics."
  • The Math Forum: Provides a wide range of resources about teaching and learning for students, educators, researchers, and others.
  • Mathematical Association of America (MAA): Focuses on mathematics at the undergraduate level. Readers access a variety of resources, including news articles, association publications and discussion groups.
  • Mathematics for College: Helps college students master core mathematics courses through the use of open courseware.
  • MathOverflow: Q&A site for professional mathematicians.
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Aims to help math teachers and students on all academic levels. Includes a mathematics teacher job search page.
  • Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM): Organization with more than 13,000 members whose mission is to "build cooperation between mathematics and the worlds of science and technology."
  • WeUseMath.org: Produced by BYU, this site promotes the importance of mathematics. Includes a section on the wide range of careers involving math.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus headshot

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

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