Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Operations Research Analyst Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. 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.
Education
Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, but some jobs require a master’s degree. Fields of degree may include operations research or a related field, such as business, mathematics, engineering, or computer science. Because operations research is based on quantitative analysis, students need extensive coursework in mathematics. Coursework in computer science is important because analysts rely on statistical and database software to assess and model data. Other Experience Some operations research analysts are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Certain positions may require applicants to undergo a background check in order to obtain a security clearance.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,500 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. Employment As technology advances and companies and government agencies seek efficiency and cost savings, demand for operations research analysis is expected to continue to grow. In addition, increasing demand will likely occur for these workers in the field of analytics to improve business planning and decision making. Technological advances have made it faster and easier for organizations to get data. Operations research analysts manage and evaluate data to improve business operations, supply chains, pricing models, and marketing. In addition, improvements in analytical software have made operations research more affordable and applicable to a wider range of areas. More companies are expected to employ operations research analysts to help them turn data into information that managers use to make decisions about all aspects of their business. Operations Research Analysts Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Mathematical science occupations 25% Operations research analysts 12% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Operations Research Analysts Do
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.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Operations research analysts held about 113,100 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of operations research analysts were as follows:
| Finance and insurance | 26% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 22 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 9 |
| Federal government | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
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.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Operations research analysts use a range of methods, including forecasting and data mining, to examine and interpret data. Communication skills. Operations research analysts write memos, reports, and other documents and often present their data and conclusions to managers and other executives. They must be able to convey technical information in a way that is understandable to nontechnical audiences. Critical-thinking skills. Operations research analysts must be able to organize information and make connections between ideas and facts. Interpersonal skills. Operations research analysts typically work on teams. They also need to be able to persuade managers and executives to accept their recommendations. Math skills. The models and methods used by operations research analysts are rooted in statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and other mathematics disciplines. Problem-solving skills. Operations research analysts need to be able to diagnose problems and study relevant information to solve them.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about operations research analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.