15 amazing future jobs that need maths skills

Find out where your maths smarts could be applied now and in the future.

Gone are the days when a job in maths equalled accountant. The digital age has brought with it new maths gigs in social media, app development and digital marketing. Then there are the jobs that don’t even exist yet. Areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) will also rely on maths, so it’s important to skill up.

We’ve rounded up 10 maths jobs that didn’t exist when your parents were growing up, as well as five future jobs that could make waves in the years to come.

Augmented reality (AR) is becoming more common in applications and also relies on maths skills, knowledge and processes such as spatial reasoning.

Futuristic jobs you can score right now…

1. AI researcher

An AI researcher works with scientists and engineers to come up with new AI methods and prototype systems. They also collect customer insights to improve their systems.

Maths involved: data analysis, statistics

2. Cloud specialist

Someone who is passionate about tech, a cloud specialist assists businesses with moving their data to the cloud, then manages and secures data storage.

Maths involved: algorithms

3. Data engineer

A data engineer develops new ways to collect, store and transform data so it can be easily accessed and analysed by organisations.

Maths involved: algorithms, statistics

4. Digital marketing analyst

These pros mix maths and marketing to develop strategies to drive online sales, promote products and services and build brand awareness.

Maths involved: data analysis, formulas, statistics

5. UX designer

When it comes to building websites, apps and everyday appliances, a UX (user experience) designer will be there to optimise and improve functions for all kinds of users.

Maths involved: ratios, sequences

6. Mobile app developer

This software engineering job specialises in building user-friendly applications for mobile devices. These developers are involved in the designing, testing, release and support of the products they create.

Maths involved: algorithms, Boolean algebra

7. Robotics engineer

Designing, testing and building robots and robotic systems that are efficient and safe to use is what a robotics engineer does best.

Maths involved: acceleration, angles, interpolation, kinematics, velocity

8. SEO consultant

An SEO consultant is responsible for coming up with a strategy for SEO (that’s search engine optimisation) based on search keywords associated with a brand or business.

Maths involved: algorithms, data analysis

9. Social media manager

Yes, you can get paid to sit on social media all day. As a social media manager, you oversee content strategies, study engagement data and identify trends.

Maths involved: data analysis, formulas, statistics

10. Fullstack engineer

A fullstack engineer is skilled at web and software development, and can code for the front-end (what the user sees) and the back-end (the tech that brings it all together).

Maths involved: algorithms, Boolean algebra

Future jobs that don’t exist (yet) …

1. AI ethicist

An AI ethicist will advocate for the ethical and legal issues that surround the creation and distribution of AI tech.

Maths involved: data analytics

2. Algorithm interpreter

They’ll be the link between humans and AI, teaching people how algorithms work and how AI systems make decisions.

Maths involved: algorithms, statistics

3. Data waste recycler

Data is super valuable, so a data waste recycler will sift through data no longer required by a business or individual to see if it can be repurposed.

Maths involved: data analysis

4. Garbage designer

Perfect if you’re passionate about sustainability, a garbage designer looks for ways to upcycle unwanted items on a large scale.

Maths involved: angles, geometry, measurement, ratios

5. VR experience creator

As VR becomes more popular, someone in this role will be responsible for designing digital experiences such as pop-up stores and virtual holidays.

Maths involved: algorithms, ratios, sequences