Operations Research Analysts
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.
Is operations research analysts a good career?
It scores 48/100 and ranks #41 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($88,940 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+21.5% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What operations research analysts earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. operations research analysts earn between $68,360 and $125,990 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live operations research analysts jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, but some jobs require a master’s degree. Fields of degree may include operations research or a related field, such as business, mathematics, engineering, or computer science.
Because operations research is based on quantitative analysis, students need extensive coursework in mathematics. Coursework in computer science is important because analysts rely on statistical and database software to assess and model data.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Operations research analysts use a range of methods, including forecasting and data mining, to examine and interpret data.
Communication skills. Operations research analysts write memos, reports, and other documents and often present their data and conclusions to managers and other executives. They must be able to convey technical information in a way that is understandable to nontechnical audiences.
Critical-thinking skills. Operations research analysts must be able to organize information and make connections between ideas and facts.
Interpersonal skills. Operations research analysts typically work on teams. They also need to be able to persuade managers and executives to accept their recommendations.
Math skills. The models and methods used by operations research analysts are rooted in statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and other mathematics disciplines.
Problem-solving skills. Operations research analysts need to be able to diagnose problems and study relevant information to solve them.
Related occupations
How much do operations research analysts make?
The national median wage is $88,940 a year, with the middle half earning between $68,360 and $125,990 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is operations research analysts a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 48 of 100 and ranks #41 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +21.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a operations research analyst?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do operations research analysts earn the most?
Among states, Colorado pays the highest median ($129,880). Local pay for every state and metro is below.