Operations Research Analysts
SOC code 15-2031 · O*NET-SOC 15-2031.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Computer and IT
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Operations Research Analysts pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$88,940
a year
Hourly
$42.76
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$99,730
$47.95 per hour
Middle 50%
$68,360 – $125,990
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$57,060 – $159,910
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
108,510
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $57,060
- $27.43/hr
- 25th percentile
- $68,360
- $32.86/hr
- Median percentile
- $88,940
- $42.76/hr
- 75th percentile
- $125,990
- $60.57/hr
- 90th percentile
- $159,910
- $76.88/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+21%
Growing much faster than average
112,100
jobs in 2024
136,200
projected for 2034
About 24,100 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become an operations research analyst
Most people in this role hold master's degree — 43% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Master's Degree43%
- Bachelor's Degree33%
- Doctoral Degree14%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate10%
Common questions
How much does an operations research analyst earn?
The national median is $88,940 a year. The full range runs from $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $159,910 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an operations research analyst without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is operations research analyst in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 21% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Mathematics4.5/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics4.7/5
- Computers and Electronics4.1/5
- Engineering and Technology4.0/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Design3.1/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis.