Operations Research Analyst
Salary, job outlook, education and requirements
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Also called: Advanced Analytics Associate · Analytical Strategist · Decision Analyst · Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst) · Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist) · Optimization Analyst · Researcher
O*NET-SOC 15-2031.00 (Operations Research Analysts)
Operations Research Analyst salary
Wages for operations research analysts across all employers, 2025 data. The 10th percentile is typical entry-level pay; the 90th percentile reflects the most experienced and highest-paid workers.
National median hourly wage: $42.76.
Operations Research Analyst pay by state
Ten largest states by population, annual wages.
| State | 10th percentile | Median | 90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $65,510 | $102,100 | $168,030 |
| Texas | $57,840 | $90,710 | $164,570 |
| Florida | $46,340 | $77,600 | $131,490 |
| New York | $62,780 | $108,610 | $175,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,220 | $79,640 | $129,420 |
| Illinois | $62,500 | $89,800 | $164,990 |
| Ohio | $52,000 | $103,620 | $142,080 |
| Georgia | $52,000 | $76,220 | $132,610 |
| North Carolina | $60,180 | $97,290 | $130,980 |
| Michigan | $61,650 | $83,480 | $139,880 |
Operations Research Analyst job outlook
- Employment is projected to go from 113,100 jobs in 2025 to 126,600 in 2035 (12% change).
- About 7,500 openings are projected each year, including jobs that open up as workers retire or change occupations.
- CareerOneStop outlook rating: Bright (Rapid Growth).
How to become an operations research analyst
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- No work experience
- On-the-job training
- No on-the-job training
Education level of current workers
- Less than high school diploma.6%
- High school diploma or equivalent5.4%
- Some college, no degree12%
- Associate's degree5.9%
- Bachelor's degree44.6%
- Master's degree27%
- Doctoral or professional degree4.5%
Related training programs
- Management Science
- Operations Research
What does an operations research analyst do?
Common tasks
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
Most important skills
- Mathematics
- Using math to solve problems.
- Complex Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
- Active Listening
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
- Speaking
- Talking to others.
- Writing
- Writing things for co-workers or customers.
- Reading Comprehension
- Reading work-related information.
- Critical Thinking
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
- Systems Analysis
- Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Operations Research Analyst certifications
The certifications CareerOneStop maps to this occupation. Requirements vary by employer and state.
- Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences · Advanced
- IBM Corporation · Product/Equipment
- CertNexus · Core
- IBM Corporation · Product/Equipment
- IBM Corporation · Product/Equipment
- Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences · Advanced
Operations Research Analyst jobs
Current federal openings from USAJOBS. For more economics & statistics jobs, including private-sector listings, see the Economics & Statistics jobs hub.
Job data from USAJOBS.gov. Careers.org is not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM.
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This page includes information from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Source: CareerOneStop occupation profile for Operations Research Analysts. Wages are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program; projections are national long-term projections.