Operations Research Analysts

Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help organizations make informed decisions and solve problems.

Duties

Operations research analysts typically do the following:

• Identify problems in areas such as business, logistics, healthcare, or other fields
• Collect and organize information from a variety of sources, such as databases, sales histories, and customer feedback
• Gather input from workers or subject-matter experts
• Analyze collected data and extract information relevant to the problem being addressed
• Develop and test quantitative models, support software, and analytical tools
• Write memos, reports, and other documents explaining their findings and recommendations for managers, executives, and other officials

Operations research analysts may be involved in many aspects of an organization. For example, they may help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, oversee the supply chain, and set prices.

To begin a project, analysts first identify the problem to be solved or the processes to be improved. They typically collect data and interview clients, workers, or others involved in the business processes being examined.

Analysts then break down the problem into its various parts using statistical and database software and analytical techniques, such as forecasting and data mining. They also study the effect that different changes and circumstances would have on each of these parts. For example, to help an airline schedule flights and set ticket prices, analysts may take into account the cities involved, the amount and cost of fuel required, the expected number of passengers, the pilots’ schedules, and the maintenance costs.

Operations research analysts provide alternatives to pursuing different actions and may assist in achieving a consensus on how to proceed. They weigh the costs and benefits of alternative solutions or approaches in their recommendations to managers.

Operations research analysts held about 112,100 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of operations research analysts were as follows:

Some operations research analysts in the federal government work for the Department of Defense, which also employs analysts through private consulting firms.

Operations research analysts spend much of their time in office settings. They may travel to gather information, observe business processes, work with clients, or attend conferences.

Work Schedules

Most operations research analysts work full time.

Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s degree. Analysts may need a degree in operations research or a related field, such as applied mathematics.

The median annual wage for operations research analysts was $91,290 in May 2024.

Employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 21 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,600 openings for operations research analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.