General
Applied Mathematics
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Applied Mathematics.
Entry Level Salary
$54,145
Median Salary
$123,805
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
13.3%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,952,200
Entry (Early)
$54,145
Median (Prime)
$123,805
High (Prime)
$136,867
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+31k
+596k
+700k
$25k / yr
-59k
+506k
+610k
$50k / yr
-149k
+416k
+520k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
42
24
24
$25k / yr
Never
27
26
$50k / yr
Never
30
28
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-54%
466%
561%
$50k / yr
-69%
191%
239%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate47.5%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Software developers
13.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$156,925|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Mathematical science occupations
6.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,170
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,602|$104,620
openings
37,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +27.1%
Postsecondary teachers
6.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$29,497
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,413|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Management occupations
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$76,534
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$163,198|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Computer systems analysts
3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,024
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$119,168|$103,790
openings
34,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.7%
Management analysts
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$99,044
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$131,514|$101,190
openings
98,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +8.8%
Secondary school teachers
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$49,072
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,154|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Top executives
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$39,568
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$217,596|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Actuaries
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$129,433|$125,770
openings
2,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +21.8%
Financial managers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,170
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,000|$161,700
openings
74,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +14.8%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| applied mathematics. | Bachelor's Degree | 216 | $50,388 - $170,689 |
| applied mathematics. | Master's Degree | 137 | $91,400 - $216,406 |
| applied mathematics. | Doctoral Degree | 43 | Data N/A |