21210 – Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
Lead statement
Mathematicians research mathematical theories and develop and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems in such fields as science, engineering, business and social sciences.
Main duties
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas of mathematics such as algebra, geometry, probability and logic
- Apply mathematical techniques to the solution of problems in scientific fields such as physical science, engineering, computer science or other fields such as operations research, business or management.
- Conduct research into the mathematical basis of the science of statistics
- Develop statistical methodology and advise on the practical application of statistical methodology
- Apply statistical theory and methods to provide information in scientific and other fields such as biological and agricultural science, business and economics, physical sciences and engineering, and the social sciences.
- Apply mathematical models to forecast and calculate the probable future costs of insurance and pension benefits
- Design life, health, and property insurance policies, and calculate premiums, contributions and benefits for insurance policies, and pension and superannuation plans
- May assist investment fund managers in portfolio asset allocation decisions and risk management. They also use these techniques to provide legal evidence on the value of future earnings.
Employment requirements
- Mathematicians and statisticians usually require a graduate degree in mathematics or statistics.
- Actuaries usually require post-secondary education in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, economics, commerce or business administration.
- Actuaries are conferred fellowships through the Canadian Institute of Actuaries upon successful completion of professional examinations andthree years of work experience in the actuarial field as an actuarial assistant or in a related position.
Example job titles
applied mathematician · mathematician · operations researcher · cryptographer · biostatistician · business and economics statistician · epidemiologist (except physician and veterinarian) · mathematical statistician · social science statistician · statistical consultant · statistician · opinion polling statistician · medical statistician · actuary · casualty actuary · insurance actuary · consulting actuary · consulting pension actuary
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $31.25 | $51.00 | $77.33 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $31.88 | $40.11 | $53.85 |
| Nova Scotia | $31.54 | $45.84 | $71.76 |
| New Brunswick | $30.33 | $44.71 | $64.40 |
| Quebec | $28.21 | $51.98 | $84.13 |
| Ontario | $38.46 | $51.28 | $77.33 |
| Manitoba | $34.19 | $56.41 | $112.82 |
| Saskatchewan | $27.96 | $44.89 | $66.61 |
| Alberta | $30.36 | $44.82 | $66.79 |
| British Columbia | $34.66 | $50.04 | $75.94 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.