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Career overview · SOC 15-2031

Operations Research Analysts

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

Median pay (national)
$91,290
$53,910–$159,280 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
107,760
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+21.5%
~9,600 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for operations research analysts shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $159,280 versus $53,910 at the bottom 10% — 3.0x. The median of $91,290 leaves roughly 74% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +21.5% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 9,600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 50 states with released data, Virginia pays the most for this role (median $123,050, +35% vs the national median), while Missouri sits lowest at $55,640 — a 121% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Power BI as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Science
  • Learning Strategies
  • Monitoring

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
  • Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
  • 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.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python
  • Salesforce software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau
  • Amazon Redshift
  • Apache Hadoop
  • Apache Hive
  • Apple macOS
  • Bash
  • C
  • C++

Knowledge areas

  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Production and Processing
  • English Language
  • Design
  • Education and Training
  • Administration and Management