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Research Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Many problems that mathematicians study arise from within mathematics itself, or with some inspiration from physics. This is often the case with areas of pure math such as algebra, analysis, and geometry.
In natural science fields, scientists test physical theories with objective experiments. Mathematicians verify mathematical statements objectively using proofs. At an abstract level, mathematicians deal with assumptions and explore their consequences.
Mathematicians work in science (such as physics, chemistry, and engineering), social science (such as psychology, sociology, and political science), and business (such as finance, actuarial science, and risk analysis). Through their work, they may:
For example, mathematicians may develop models of the ocean floor, changing demographics, or blood flow. Or they may apply number theory to computer-security problems or seismological (earthquake) survey results.
When confronted with any problem that has a numerical basis, an organization may consult a mathematician for advice about:
Mathematicians may work in many different areas.
Applied mathematicians use math theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, and science. For example, they may explore the cost of creating a new business or certain aspects of drilling for oil.
Biomathematicians use math techniques and tools to model natural and biological processes. For instance, they may research the effectiveness of vaccination programs in preventing epidemics.
Theoretical mathematicians seek to advance mathematical science. They develop new principles and new relationships between existing principles.
Mathematical consultants help with business and research projects. They may work on math problems in fields such as mechanics, electromagnetic theory, economics, communication networks, or the petrochemical industry.
Financial mathematicians develop mathematical and probability models of stock markets, options, and currency futures. For instance, they may use mathematical models to understand and manage risk.
Statisticians and actuaries use math to solve problems in finance, business, and government.
Biostatisticians use statistics to measure how well drugs and other treatment methods perform.
Mathematicians tend to work in an office environment with standard office hours. They often work long hours. They may work alone or as part of a team.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Statisticians
2023 OaSIS: 21210.02
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
In addition to talent and an interest in math, mathematicians need:
They should like synthesizing data and applying math techniques. They should enjoy advising others regarding the applications and methods of math.
Ideally, prospective mathematicians start their education by combining a general university education with a major or honours degree in math, or a double major in math and a related subject. Most mathematicians have graduate degrees in their field.
Admission to a master’s program requires an acceptable average in a 4-year bachelor’s program in math. Mathematicians who wish to work in research most often need to do post-graduate work in pure or applied math at the doctoral (PhD) level.
Students interested in pursuing a career in math should explore it beyond the high school curriculum by:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Mathematicians work for:
The computer industry also employs many people with training in math. These positions are most often located in the head offices of large organizations.
In large institutions, mathematicians who have strong communication and people skills may advance to management positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
2016 NOC: 2161
78.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $32.43 | $47.62 | $38.19 | $38.01 |
| Overall | $32.69 | $52.31 | $41.09 | $40.00 |
| Top | $38.15 | $59.94 | $51.20 | $49.17 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $81,653 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,336 |
| Public Administration | $90,157 |
Canadian Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society (CAIMS) website: caims.ca
Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) website: cms.math.ca
Mitacs website: www.mitacs.ca
Mathematics with a Human Face website: mathcentral.uregina.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
