Were you considered a “math geek” in school and made fun of for your love of crunching numbers? Well, now you can get the last laugh because today “math geeks” are getting paid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians earned an average annual income of $94,960. Mathematicians were also rated the best career by the January 2009 study of the best and worst professions by JobsRated.com. The study evaluated 200 professions based on work environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands and stress. The second and third best professions were both in the mathematics field – actuaries and statisticians. Take a look below at the top ten jobs for math whizzes…

1. Actuary: Actuaries deal with risk by analyzing statistical data such as mortality, sickness, injury, disability and retirement rates to figure out the probability of happening and the costs associated with each event. They also create policies for individuals and companies that minimize the risk and financial impacts of these situations. An undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics or actuarial science or a business degree in finance or economics is required. The average annual salary is $95,980.

2. Cost Estimator – Cost estimators analyze things such as cost of materials, labor, location and duration of a project to help companies decide whether to pursue certain projects. Ultimately they figure out how much future projects will cost and determine which current projects are making a profit. A bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management or building science is preferred. However, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics or engineering is also accepted. The average annual salary is $60,903.

3. Economist – Economists identify problems and solutions within the distribution and production of goods and services such as land, labor and raw materials. They research, analyze and monitor economic trends, and use math models to answer economic questions. A master’s degree or Ph.D. in economics is required. The average annual salary is $93,898.

4. Electrical Engineer – Electrical engineers design new and innovative electronics. They work on high-tech assignments for products such as cars, robots, cell phones, radar and navigation systems. An undergraduate degree in electrical engineering is required. The average annual salary is $89,268.

5. Physicist – Physicists study the natural world by performing experiments and conducting research to develop theories related to the laws of nature, energy, motion and matter. A doctoral degree is required and the average annual salary is $92,537.

6. Market Researcher – Market researchers examine the condition of the market in order to determine potential sales of product or service. They do this by conducting polls and surveys to assess factors that will affect the sale of a product. A bachelor’s degree is accepted for many market research jobs. However, a master’s degree is required for technical positions. The average annual salary is $70,410.

7. Mathematician – There are two different types of mathematicians – theoretical mathematicians and applied mathematicians. Theoretical mathematicians develop new principles of math and look for new developments in existing principles. Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics and business problems. A doctoral degree in mathematics is required and the average annual salary is $94,960.

8. Statistician – Statisticians apply statistical and mathematical theories to collect analyze, interpret numerical data to provide usable information. For example, some statisticians collect data to learn how safe new products are before the products can be sold. A master’s degree or doctoral degree is required and the average annual salary is $70,891.

9. Surveyor – Surveyors measure and draw what the Earth’s surface looks like, determining official land, air and water boundaries. They write descriptions of land for deeds, leases and other legal documents; define airspace for airports; and take measurements of construction and mineral sites. A bachelor’s degree in surveying or a related field is required in addition to a state license. The average annual salary is $54,140.

10. Post-Secondary Mathematical Science Teacher – Post-secondary mathematical science faculty teach university and college students. They typically teach several courses within the mathematics field including calculus, statistics and algebra. A doctoral degree is required and the average annual salary is $68,130.