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
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. PayThe median annual wage for operations research analysts was $88,940 in May 2025. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for operations research analysts. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of operations research analysts with similar occupations. 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.
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 operations research analysts was $88,940 in May 2025. 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for operations research analysts. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of operations research analysts with similar occupations. 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.
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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for operations research analysts. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of operations research analysts with similar occupations. 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.
What They Do
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.
Work Environment
Operations research analysts spend much of their time in office settings, although travel may be necessary to meet with clients. Most operations research analysts work full time.
How to Become an Operations Research Analyst
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for operations research analysts was $88,940 in May 2025.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for operations research analysts.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of operations research analysts with similar occupations.
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.
Work Environment
Operations research analysts spend much of their time in office settings, although travel may be necessary to meet with clients. Most operations research analysts work full time.
How to Become an Operations Research Analyst
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.
Pay
The median annual wage for operations research analysts was $88,940 in May 2025.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for operations research analysts.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of operations research analysts with similar occupations.
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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for operations research analysts.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of operations research analysts with similar occupations.
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.
More Information
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.