Operations Research Analysts Career, Salary and Skills
Operations Research Analysts have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $88,940 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 108,510. Wage data is published for 232 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
15-2031.00
Job zone
5
Typical education
Master's Degree
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$88,940
Hourly median
$42.76
Employment
108,510
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.50 | 4.88 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.12 | 4.50 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.00 | 4.25 |
| Speaking | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Writing | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.00 | 4.12 |
| Active Listening | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Active Learning | 3.88 | 4.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.88 | 4.38 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.88 | 3.88 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
Technology
- A mathematical programming language AMPL
- Amazon Redshift
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
- Apache Pig
- Apple macOS
- Bash
- Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
- Business Forecast Systems Forecast Pro
- C
- C++
- Cisco IOS
- Citrix cloud computing software
- Claritas PRIZM NE
Operations Research Analysts salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in TXMedian $90,710 · Employment 11,890
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in CAMedian $102,100 · Employment 10,620
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in FLMedian $77,600 · Employment 9,120
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in Washington, DCMedian $127,600 · Employment 8,080
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in VAMedian $129,460 · Employment 6,980
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in New York, NYMedian $103,110 · Employment 6,890
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in NYMedian $108,610 · Employment 5,890
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in ILMedian $89,800 · Employment 5,180
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in MDMedian $97,410 · Employment 4,710
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in GAMedian $76,220 · Employment 4,600
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in Dallas, TXMedian $106,380 · Employment 4,270
- Operations Research Analysts Salary in WIMedian $71,820 · Employment 4,270
Related careers
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and TestersNational median $104,300
- Data Warehousing SpecialistsNational median $139,500
- Database AdministratorsNational median $104,620
- Statistical AssistantsNational median $50,330
- Financial Risk SpecialistsNational median $117,330
- Health Information Technologists and Medical RegistrarsNational median $68,020
- Financial Quantitative AnalystsNational median $81,100
- Logistics EngineersNational median $82,320
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.