What You Need to Know About Operations Research Analyst
Job Description & Duties 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
- 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.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
- Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Operations Research Analyst?
Operations Research Analysts state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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:
- Office System Analyst
- Advanced Analytics Associate
- Operations Research Manager
- Standards Analyst
- Analytics Consultant
Is There Job Demand for Operations Research Analysts?
In the United States, there were 114,000 jobs for Operations Research Analyst in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 10,700 positions for Operations Research Analyst per year.

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.
Average Operations Research Analysts Salary
The typical yearly salary for Operations Research Analysts is somewhere between $46,810 and $136,250.

Operations Research Analysts who work in District of Columbia, Hawaii, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Operations Research Analysts make in each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Operations Research Analysts
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Operations Research Analysts may use on a daily basis:
- 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 do I Become an Operations Research Analyst?
Are there Operations Research Analysts education requirements?

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…
Those thinking about becoming an Operations Research Analyst might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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