Data Scientist
Median wage · national
$120,230
Range: $86K – $159K
Employed
262K
Openings/yr
23K
Typically: bachelor's degree
STEM
Operations Research Analysts
Operations Research Analysts is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country, projected to grow +21.5% through 2034. Median pay sits at $88,940 nationally, a strong return for the training investment.
About Operations Research Analysts
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.
- Median Wage
- $88,940
- Employed Nationally
- 109K
- Openings / Year
- 9,600
- Entry Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 5: Extensive Preparation
Also known as:
Advanced Analytics Associate
Analytical Strategist
Analytics Consultant
Business Analyst
Business Operations Analyst
How Much Do Operations Research Analysts Make?
Operations Research Analysts earn $88,940 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $68,360 and $125,990. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$88,940
National Median (Annual)
Above the national median for college graduates.
$68K–$126K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$68,360
Entry-level
$88,940
Median
$125,990
Experienced
The mean wage for this occupation is $99,730, above the median. A concentration of very high earners pulls the average up. The median is the better gauge of typical pay.
What Do Operations Research Analysts Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Operations Research Analysts roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Mathematics
Complex Problem Solving
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Who Thrives Here
I
Investigative
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
E
Enterprising
Leadership, influence, and business acumen are rewarded here, where managing teams, driving decisions, or persuading others shapes career outcomes.
Where Do Operations Research Analysts Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Operations Research Analysts?
The BLS projects +21.5% employment change for Operations Research Analysts through 2034, well above the national average of +5%. About 9,600 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +21.5%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
Much faster than average.
9,600
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
109K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Operations Research Analysts professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $88,940 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 12,240 | $96,660 | +8.7% |
| 2 | California | 11,030 | $96,920 | +9.0% |
| 3 | Florida | 8,230 | $77,670 | -12.7% |
| 4 | Virginia | 6,320 | $123,050 | +38.4% |
| 5 | New York | 6,020 | $109,440 | +23.0% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Operations Research Analysts positions require a bachelor's degree to qualify. The 2 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation
Extensive education (usually a master's or doctoral degree) plus years of field experience is required to qualify for most positions.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management Sciences | 56,747 | $86,176 | 593 |
| 2 | Operations Research | 1,907 | $122,531 | 46 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Operations Research Analysts
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 5 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ | 94 | $6,128 | $110,066 |
| 6 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY | 93 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Operations Research Analysts, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Operations Research Analysts pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Operations Research Analysts Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and growing demand make Operations Research Analysts a compelling path. The 3 strengths and 3 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
PROS
- Above-average pay At $88,940 median annually, this career pays meaningfully more than most college-graduate roles. Financial return on education is typically strong.
- Exceptional job growth The BLS projects +21.5% employment growth through 2034, one of the fastest rates across all occupations. Demand for qualified candidates should remain elevated for a decade.
- High earning ceiling Top earners (75th percentile) reach $125,990 annually. Strong performers, specialists, and those in high-cost markets have significant upside beyond the median.
CONS
- Limited annual openings With only 9,600 openings per year relative to field size, competition for available positions is intense. Networking and experience matter more here than in higher-turnover fields.
- Extensive preparation before reaching full earning potential This is a Job Zone 5 occupation, extensive education (usually a master's or doctoral degree) plus years of field experience is required to qualify for most positions. Most workers in this field spend their first several years at entry-level pay well below the $88,940 median while building the experience employers require.
- Entry-level pay well below the national median The 25th percentile wage of $68,360 is considerably below the $88,940 median. Early-career workers typically spend 5 or more years building toward typical pay. Factor this into any program ROI calculation.
Operations Research Analysts Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Operations Research Analysts professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Operations Research Analysts is $88,940, above the national median for full-time workers. The middle 50% of earners fall between $68,360 and $125,990. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Operations Research Analysts a good career?
Yes, for the right person, but the commitment is significant. The $88,940 median wage reflects years of training most workers invest, and the path to a first career-level role typically spans 8 to 12 or more years. Job growth of +21.5% through 2034 means demand is real. The harder question is whether the education investment at your specific program will pay off. School selection matters enormously at this preparation level.
How long does it take to become a Operations Research Analysts?
Plan on 8 to 12 or more years of combined education and supervised training before qualifying for career-level roles. A bachelor's degree is the typical minimum credential. Degree programs like Management Sciences are typical entry paths. Early-career pay during this ramp-up period will be meaningfully below the $88,940 national median. Factor that gap into any program ROI calculation.
How fast is the Operations Research Analysts field growing?
Very fast. The BLS projects +21.5% growth for Operations Research Analysts through 2034, well above the roughly 5% national average and among the fastest rates across all occupations. Demand is being driven by structural forces, not cyclical ones. About 9,600 job openings per year are expected as the field expands and existing workers move on. From a current base of 109K workers, sustained growth creates real hiring volume, though fast-growing fields also attract more new graduates competing for entry-level roles.
Why do Operations Research Analysts salaries vary so widely?
The $57,630 gap between the 25th ($68,360) and 75th ($125,990) percentile reflects how much employer type, industry, specialization, and geography affect pay. Entry-level roles and lower-demand markets cluster near the bottom; senior, specialized, or high-cost-metro positions push the top. In fields with this much spread, where you work and what you specialize in often matters more than years of experience.
What skills do Operations Research Analysts professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Operations Research Analysts roles: Mathematics, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and Reading Comprehension. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
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- Median wage
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Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
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- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
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