Career Development Grid

Mathematical technicians are professionals who use mathematical principles and techniques to solve practical problems in fields such as engineering, science, business, and government. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, research and development, and consulting firms.
Education and Training:
To become a mathematical technician, you typically need an associate degree in mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field. In addition to formal education, mathematical technicians need to have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Mathematical technicians perform a variety of duties, including analyzing data, developing mathematical models, creating simulations, and interpreting results. They may work with engineers, scientists, or other professionals to solve problems related to product design, quality control, or process improvement.
Earning Potential:
The earning potential for mathematical technicians can vary depending on their level of education, experience, and the industry they work in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for mathematical technicians in the United States was $52,860 in May 2020.
Opportunities for Career Advancement:
Mathematical technicians may advance to positions such as senior mathematical technician, project manager, or research analyst. With additional education and experience, they may also become mathematicians or statisticians.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
One of the biggest challenges facing mathematical technicians is staying up-to-date with new technologies and techniques. To overcome this challenge, they should attend training courses, workshops, and conferences to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Gaining Experience and Building a Network:
Mathematical technicians can gain experience by working on projects or internships in their field. They can also build a network by joining professional organizations, attending conferences, and connecting with colleagues in their industry.
Job Prospects:
The job prospects for mathematical technicians are expected to grow at a rate of 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing use of mathematical models and simulations in various industries.
Skills and Qualities for Success:
Mathematical technicians need to have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. They should also be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
Industries in Demand:
Mathematical technicians are in demand in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, research and development

Mathematical technicians typically need an associate degree in mathematics or a related field. Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field for more advanced positions. Coursework in statistics, calculus, and computer programming is also beneficial. On-the-job training is often provided to familiarize mathematical technicians with specific software and tools used in their work. Continuing education and professional development courses may also be necessary to stay up-to-date with new technologies and techniques in the field.

Mathematical technicians, also known as mathematical assistants or math technicians, work in a variety of industries and perform a range of duties related to mathematics and statistics. Some of the typical job duties and responsibilities of someone in this career may include:
1. Collecting and organizing data: Mathematical technicians are responsible for collecting and organizing data for use in mathematical models and simulations. They may use computer software to help them collect and analyze data.
2. Performing calculations: Mathematical technicians use mathematical formulas and equations to perform calculations related to a variety of fields, such as engineering, science, and finance.
3. Creating models: Mathematical technicians create mathematical models and simulations to help solve problems or answer questions related to their field. They may use computer software to help them create these models.
4. Analyzing data: Mathematical technicians analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and relationships. They may use statistical analysis tools to help them with this task.
5. Communicating findings: Mathematical technicians communicate their findings to other professionals in their field, such as engineers, scientists, or financial analysts. They may write reports, create presentations, or give oral presentations to share their findings.
6. Providing support: Mathematical technicians may provide support to other professionals in their field, such as engineers or scientists. They may assist with data collection, analysis, or modeling.
Overall, mathematical technicians play an important role in a variety of industries by using their mathematical skills to help solve problems, make predictions, and analyze data.

Mathematical technicians typically work in industries such as engineering, scientific research, and government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for mathematical technicians was $51,150 as of May 2019.
In the short term, entry-level mathematical technicians can expect to earn around $35,000 to $40,000 per year. However, with experience and advanced education, they can earn higher salaries, with the top 10% earning more than $81,000 per year.
In the long term, the earning potential for mathematical technicians is promising. With a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and interpret data, the job outlook for mathematical technicians is expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This means that there will be more opportunities for mathematical technicians to advance in their careers and earn higher salaries.

Mathematical technicians typically work in collaboration with mathematicians, scientists, and engineers to solve problems using mathematical techniques. The career advancement opportunities for mathematical technicians depend on their level of education and experience.
Here are some potential opportunities for career advancement in this field:
1. Higher Education: Mathematical technicians can pursue higher education in mathematics, engineering, or related fields to become mathematicians, scientists, or engineers. This can lead to opportunities for higher-level research and development roles.
2. Specialization: Mathematical technicians can specialize in a specific area of mathematics such as statistics, data analysis, or computational mathematics. This can lead to opportunities for more specialized and higher-paying roles.
3. Management: With experience, mathematical technicians can advance to supervisory or management positions, overseeing teams of technicians or working closely with other professionals to solve complex problems.
4. Consulting: Experienced mathematical technicians can work as consultants, providing expertise to businesses, government agencies, or other organizations on mathematical and statistical analysis.
Overall, the opportunities for career advancement in this field are diverse and depend on the individual’s education, experience, and interests.

The biggest challenges facing mathematical technicians include:
1. Technical Skills: Mathematical technicians require a high level of technical skills to perform their job duties. They must have a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming. Overcoming this challenge requires a commitment to ongoing learning and development of technical skills.
2. Attention to Detail: Mathematical technicians must be extremely detail-oriented to ensure that their calculations are accurate. They must be able to identify and correct errors in their work. Overcoming this challenge requires developing a systematic approach to their work and double-checking their calculations.
3. Time Management: Mathematical technicians often work on multiple projects simultaneously and must be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines. Overcoming this challenge requires developing strong time management skills and prioritizing tasks.
4. Communication Skills: Mathematical technicians must be able to communicate complex mathematical concepts to non-technical colleagues and clients. Overcoming this challenge requires developing effective communication skills, including the ability to use plain language to explain technical concepts.
5. Career Advancement: The career path for mathematical technicians can be limited, and it can be challenging to advance to higher-level positions. Overcoming this challenge requires seeking out opportunities for professional development and networking with others in the field to learn about new job opportunities.

1. Internships: Look for internships with companies that hire mathematical technicians. This will give you hands-on experience in the field and the opportunity to work with professionals who can help you build your network.
2. Volunteer work: Consider volunteering your time with organizations that use math and statistics, such as non-profits or research institutions. This will give you exposure to real-world applications of math and a chance to network with professionals in the field.
3. Join professional organizations: Joining professional organizations such as the American Mathematical Society or the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics can provide you with opportunities to attend conferences, meet other professionals in the field, and learn about new developments in the industry.
4. Attend conferences and workshops: Attend conferences and workshops related to mathematical technician work to gain exposure to new ideas, learn about the latest trends and technologies, and network with other professionals.
5. Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio of your work that showcases your skills and experience. This can include projects you have worked on, research papers you have written, and any other relevant work that demonstrates your abilities.
6. Connect with alumni: Reach out to alumni from your school who work in the field and ask for advice, insights, and potential job leads. Alumni can be a valuable resource for building your network and finding job opportunities.

Mathematical Technicians are professionals who use mathematical theories, principles, and techniques to solve problems in various fields such as engineering, science, and business. They work closely with mathematicians, scientists, and engineers to develop mathematical models, analyze data, and design experiments.
The job prospects for Mathematical Technicians are expected to be good in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of Mathematical Technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for Mathematical Technicians is expected to increase as more industries rely on data analysis and modeling to improve their products and services.
In addition, the increasing use of computer software and advanced technology in data analysis is expected to create more job opportunities for Mathematical Technicians. However, competition for jobs may be strong, as the number of graduates in mathematical and statistical fields is increasing.
Overall, the job prospects for Mathematical Technicians are positive, and the demand for their skills is expected to continue to grow in the future.

Mathematical Technicians need to have a strong foundation in mathematics and analytical skills, as they are responsible for analyzing and solving mathematical problems. In addition, they should have good communication skills to be able to explain complex mathematical concepts to others. Attention to detail is also important, as they need to be able to identify errors and discrepancies in data. They should be comfortable working with computers and software programs, as they often use specialized software to perform calculations and analyze data. Finally, they should be able to work independently and as part of a team, as they may be required to collaborate with other professionals on projects.

Mathematical technicians are in demand in a variety of sectors and industries, including:
1. Science and technology: Mathematical technicians are often employed in science and technology fields, such as research and development, engineering, and computer science.
2. Finance: Mathematical technicians are also in demand in the finance industry, where they can work in areas such as risk analysis, financial modeling, and investment analysis.
3. Government: The government sector also employs mathematical technicians in a range of areas, including statistical analysis, economic forecasting, and public policy development.
4. Education: Mathematical technicians can also work in the education sector, where they may be involved in curriculum development, teaching, and research.
5. Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies also require mathematical technicians to assist with quality control, process improvement, and data analysis.
6. Healthcare: In the healthcare industry, mathematical technicians may be involved in medical research, clinical trials, and data analysis.
Overall, mathematical technicians are in demand in any industry or sector that requires data analysis, problem-solving, and mathematical expertise.

Misconception: Mathematical Technicians only work with numbers all day.
Reality: While it’s true that Mathematical Technicians use mathematical principles to solve problems, they also work with computer software, graphs, and charts. They may also work with other professionals such as engineers and scientists to solve complex problems.
Misconception: Mathematical Technicians only need to be good at math.
Reality: While strong math skills are essential for Mathematical Technicians, they also need to have strong analytical skills, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving skills. They also need to be able to communicate their findings effectively to others.
Misconception: Mathematical Technicians only work in academia.
Reality: Mathematical Technicians work in a variety of industries, including government, finance, insurance, and engineering. They may also work for research and development firms or consulting firms.
Misconception: Mathematical Technicians have limited career growth opportunities.
Reality: Mathematical Technicians can advance their careers by pursuing higher education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree in mathematics or a related field. They can also pursue certifications, such as the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification. With experience, they can also advance to managerial or supervisory roles.