What Operations Research Analysts do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Operations Research Analysts this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters"; "Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions"; "Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems"; "Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary"; "Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Operations Research Analysts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 113,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 126,600 in 2035, an increase of 13,500 jobs (+11.9%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 7,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $88,940, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Operations Research Analysts earn the most
Across the 4 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $117,380 in Maryland to $127,600 in District of Columbia, a gap of $10,220 (1.09 times). 4 of those 4 states average above the BLS national median of $88,940 and 0 average at or below it.
Maryland employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 12,660, which is 32.6% of the 38,780 counted across them. Virginia follows with 9,830.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($127,600), West Virginia ($126,604) and Virginia ($125,330) lead the ranking, while Maryland ($117,380) and Virginia ($125,330) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Operations Research Analysts: pay against the cost of living
We compare 4 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $73,160. The smallest margin is $56,158 in District of Columbia, DC.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 4 of the 4 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 13.6% and 29.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Operations Research Analysts
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (15-2000) include Data Scientists.
Frequently asked questions about Operations Research Analysts
What is the national median wage for Operations Research Analysts?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $88,940. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $117,380 to $127,600.
Which state pays Operations Research Analysts the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $127,600. West Virginia is next at $126,604.
What is the job outlook for Operations Research Analysts?
BLS projects employment to grow by 11.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 7,500 openings a year.
What education do Operations Research Analysts need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Operations Research Analysts afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $73,160 on a median wage of $127,600.