Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. The role reports a median annual salary of $79,350 in the US and is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Entry typically requires a Doctoral or professional degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.51 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Mathematics, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Instructing, Active Listening.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £52,835 a year for Higher education teaching professionals (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
Middle half of full-time jobs: £42,062 to £66,191 a year
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 2311). ONS rates this estimate precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
Average monthly earnings of salaried employees in the occupation group “Professionals” in India, from the Government of India's Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025). It covers everyone in this group, not only Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary, and it is not US pay converted to rupees.
Source: MoSPI (Government of India), Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2025, Table 51 — average wage/salary earnings of regular wage/salaried employees, NCO-2015 division 2. Official India data gives one average per occupation group: there are no official India figures for single careers, experience levels or cities. Read the report
How to get here in India
The usual route into this career in India. Each step links to the official page it comes from.
- 1 · Qualification Master's degree (e.g. M.Sc) in mathematics, at least 55% (50% for reserved categories)[1]
- 2 · Entrance exam Joint CSIR-UGC NET in Mathematical Sciences[2][1]
- 3 · First role Assistant Professor in a college or university, or Junior Research Fellow toward a PhD[2]
Rules change: check the exam body's and regulator's current notice before you apply.
- Joint CSIR-UGC NET June 2025 Information Bulletin — NTA (read on 2026-09-27)
- Joint CSIR-UGC NET — National Testing Agency (read on 2026-09-27)
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Physics
- Psychology
A day in the life
You begin with a cup of tea and a stack of problem sets, marking proofs and writing comments on where each argument broke down. Mid-morning you lecture on linear algebra, building ideas step by step on the board and pausing to ask the room what should come next. After class a few students stay behind with questions, and you work through an example with them until the idea clicks. Over lunch you read a new paper in your area and jot down an idea for your own research. In the afternoon you meet colleagues to revise the first-year course, then write the questions for next week's test, checking that each is fair and clearly worded. Late in the day you hold office hours and help a student who is anxious about failing. Recording marks and attendance is dull, but watching a student move from fear of mathematics to enjoying it makes the job special.
Illustrative: one typical day, written from the O*NET task statements for this occupation. Real days vary by employer and seniority.
What you'd actually do
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary do?
Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
What does a typical day look like in Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary?
You begin with a cup of tea and a stack of problem sets, marking proofs and writing comments on where each argument broke down. Mid-morning you lecture on linear algebra, building ideas step by step on the board and pausing to ask the room what should come next. After class a few students stay behind with questions, and you work through an example with them until the idea clicks. Over lunch you read a new paper in your area and jot down an idea for your own research.
How much does Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary earn?
The median annual salary for Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary in the US is $79,350.
What is the job outlook for Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary?
The role is showing modest growth of 2% over the next decade. Current US employment is approximately 58,900 workers.
How do I become mathematical science teachers, postsecondary?
The typical entry education is a Doctoral or professional degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Mathematics, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Instructing, Active Listening, Writing. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary?
Our AI-durability model gives Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary a score of 0.51 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary has very high barrier to entry — very highly gated — extended graduate education, licensure, or years of specialised training are required.