All About Operations Research Analysts
Job Description: Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Life As an Operations Research Analyst: What Do They Do?
- Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
- Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.
- 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.
- Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
- Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
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Skills Needed to be an Operations Research Analyst
Below is a list of the skills most Operations Research Analysts say are important on the job.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Risk Analyst
- Operations Specialist
- Operations Analyst
- Forms Analyst
- Methods Analyst
What Kind of Operations Research Analyst Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 114,000 jobs in the United States for Operations Research Analyst. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 27.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 31,300 new jobs for Operations Research Analyst by 2026. The BLS estimates 10,700 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Operations Research Analyst are Utah, South Dakota, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maryland, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Operations Research Analyst Salary
The salary for Operations Research Analysts ranges between about $46,810 and $136,250 a year.

Operations Research Analysts who work in District of Columbia, Hawaii, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Operations Research Analysts make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $89,380 |
Alaska | $72,130 |
Arizona | $76,760 |
Arkansas | $61,360 |
California | $95,470 |
Colorado | $90,270 |
Connecticut | $90,230 |
Delaware | $86,690 |
District of Columbia | $109,400 |
Florida | $73,710 |
Georgia | $69,370 |
Hawaii | $102,270 |
Idaho | $74,090 |
Illinois | $96,630 |
Indiana | $68,560 |
Iowa | $81,990 |
Kansas | $85,050 |
Kentucky | $70,010 |
Louisiana | $60,440 |
Maine | $77,750 |
Maryland | $99,870 |
Massachusetts | $88,190 |
Michigan | $88,820 |
Minnesota | $89,020 |
Mississippi | $74,690 |
Missouri | $77,210 |
Montana | $67,420 |
Nebraska | $62,030 |
Nevada | $85,800 |
New Hampshire | $95,830 |
New Jersey | $106,820 |
New Mexico | $86,080 |
New York | $102,560 |
North Carolina | $84,860 |
North Dakota | $64,580 |
Ohio | $82,810 |
Oklahoma | $68,090 |
Oregon | $85,780 |
Pennsylvania | $87,210 |
Rhode Island | $92,100 |
South Carolina | $76,670 |
Tennessee | $69,480 |
Texas | $82,660 |
Utah | $73,200 |
Vermont | $85,140 |
Virginia | $104,980 |
Washington | $93,080 |
West Virginia | $56,640 |
Wisconsin | $72,900 |
What Tools & Technology do Operations Research Analysts Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Operations Research Analysts:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Microsoft Dynamics
- SAS
- Linux
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Google Docs
How to Become an Operations Research Analyst
Learn what Operations Research Analyst education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Operations Research Analysts Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of Operations Research Analysts employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
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References:
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