The median pay for Operations Research Analysts is $88,940 a year ($42.76/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 11.9% through 2035, with about 7,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 15-2031
- Computer and Mathematical
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Operations Research Analyst in four numbers
- Median pay
- $88,940a year, or $42.76/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $57KTop 10% $160K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +11.9%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+11.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +11.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 7,500113,100 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025113.1K
- Projected 2035126.6K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 113.1K Projected 2035 126.6K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Bachelor's33.3%
- Post-bacc certificate9.5%
- Master's42.9%
- Doctorate14.3%
Highest education held by operations research analysts Segment Value Bachelor's 33.3% Post-bacc certificate 9.5% Master's 42.9% Doctorate 14.3%
Also advertised as: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Optimization Analyst.
Pay
How much do Operations Research Analysts make?
Every operations research analyst in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$88,940
Middle half earn $68,360 to $125,990
- 10th
- $57,060
- 25th
- $68,360
- 75th
- $125,990
- 90th
- $159,910
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $57,060 |
| 25th | $68,360 |
| Median | $88,940 |
| 75th | $125,990 |
| 90th | $159,910 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $88,940
- Median hourly wage
- $42.76/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $99,730
- People employed
- 108,510
Versus all US occupations
At $88,940, Operations Research Analysts earn 74% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $37,960 a year.
Versus computer and mathematical occupations
Inside the Computer and Mathematical group, where the middle occupation pays $116,580, this is 24% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $159,910 or more while the bottom 10% earn $57,060, a gap of 2.8×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 65% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Colorado posts the highest raw median ($129,880), but once local prices are taken into account Alabama leads at $130,180 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Operations Research Analysts the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Colorado | $129,880 | $126,033 | 770 |
| 2Virginia | $129,460 | $128,046 | 6,980 |
| 3Alabama | $115,630 | $130,180 | 550 |
| 4New York | $108,610 | $100,638 | 5,890 |
| 5Ohio | $103,620 | $111,691 | 2,600 |
| 6Idaho | $103,600 | $108,488 | 500 |
| 7Oregon | $102,170 | $98,848 | 2,710 |
| 8California | $102,100 | $92,215 | 10,620 |
| 9Delaware | $101,070 | $101,264 | 660 |
| 10Hawaii | $100,600 | $91,495 | 120 |
Job outlook
Is Operations Research Analyst a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +11.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Research Analysts | +11.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Operations Research Analysts to change 11.9% over 2025–2035, roughly 3.4× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 13,500 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 7,500 openings are projected each year, 6.6% of the 113,100 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
As technology advances and companies and government agencies seek efficiency and cost savings, demand for operations research analysis is expected to continue to grow. In addition, increasing demand will likely occur for these workers in the field of analytics to improve business planning and decision making.
Technological advances have made it faster and easier for organizations to get data. Operations research analysts manage and evaluate data to improve business operations, supply chains, pricing models, and marketing. In addition, improvements in analytical software have made operations research more affordable and applicable to a wider range of areas. More companies are expected to employ operations research analysts to help them turn data into information that managers use to make decisions about all aspects of their business.
Getting in
How to become an Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s degree. Analysts may need a degree in operations research or a related field, such as applied mathematics.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as operations research analysts.
- Master's Degree42.9%
- Bachelor's Degree33.3%
- Doctoral Degree14.3%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate9.5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | 42.9% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 33.3% |
| Doctoral Degree | 14.3% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 9.5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Operations Research Analyst do?
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.
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help organizations make informed decisions and solve problems.
Day-to-day tasks
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- 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.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most operations research analysts work full time.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where operations research analysts work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Finance and insurance26%
- Professional, scientific, and technical services22%
- Management of companies and enterprises9%
- Federal government6%
- Manufacturing4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Finance and insurance | 26% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 22% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 9% |
| Federal government | 6% |
| Manufacturing | 4% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Mathematics4.5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Active Listening4.0
- Writing4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Critical Thinking4.0
- Active Learning3.9
- Science3.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 |
| Active Listening | 4.0 |
| Writing | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 4.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 |
| Active Learning | 3.9 |
| Science | 3.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving4.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9
- Systems Analysis3.9
- Systems Evaluation3.9
- Operations Analysis3.8
- Coordination3.1
- Time Management3.1
- Instructing3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.9 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.9 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.9 |
| Operations Analysis | 3.8 |
| Coordination | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Application server software · in demand
- Business intelligence and data analysis software · in demand
- Cloud-based management software · in demand
- Customer relationship management CRM software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base reporting software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Operations Research Analyst?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Operations Research Analyst |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 2 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Investigative6.3
- Conventional5.8
- Enterprising3.1
- Artistic2.2
- Social2.0
- Realistic1.9
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Operations Research Analyst
O*NET related occupations
- Computer and Mathematical
- Business and Financial Operations
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
- Computer and Mathematical
More computer and mathematical careers
Median annual pay, with operations research analysts highlighted
- Software Developer$135,980
- Actuary$130,000
- Data Scientist$120,230
- Business Intelligence Analyst$120,230
- Database Administrator$104,620
- Web Designer$104,000
- Computer Programmer$100,390
- Web Developer$92,650
- Operations Research Analyst$88,940
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $135,980 |
| Actuary | $130,000 |
| Data Scientist | $120,230 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $120,230 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 |
| Web Designer | $104,000 |
| Computer Programmer | $100,390 |
| Web Developer | $92,650 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $88,940 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within operations research analyst
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Questions
Operations Research Analyst: frequently asked questions
How much do Operations Research Analysts make?
Operations Research Analysts earn a median of $88,940 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 74% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $42.76/hr. The middle half earn between $68,360 and $125,990. The top 10% earn $159,910 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Operations Research Analyst?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Operations Research Analysts, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as considerable preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 42.9% hold master's degree.
Is Operations Research Analyst a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 11.9% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 7,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Operations Research Analyst do?
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help organizations make informed decisions and solve problems. A core O*NET task: present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Application server software, Business intelligence and data analysis software.
Which states pay Operations Research Analysts the most?
The highest state medians for Operations Research Analysts are Colorado ($129,880), Virginia ($129,460), Alabama ($115,630) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Alabama moves to the top at $130,180.
What personality type suits an Operations Research Analyst?
O*NET scores Operations Research Analysts highest on the Investigative, Conventional and Enterprising interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are INTJ, ISTJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.