Operations Research Analysts Salary

The median operations research analysts salary in the United States is $88,940 per year ($42.76/hour). Salaries range from $57,060 at the entry level to $159,910+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 108,510 operations research analysts jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 21.5% through 2034.

Last updated: June 2026 Β· Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Also known asOperations Research AnalystOR Analyst
Median Salary
$88,940
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.76
per hour
Employment
108,510
jobs in the U.S.

Salary Distribution

10th percentile
$57,060
25th percentile
$68,360
Median
$88,940
75th percentile
$125,990
90th percentile
$159,910

Job Growth (2024-2034)

+21.5%
Much faster than average

Annual Openings

9,600
jobs/year (growth + replacements)

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts Career Guide

Interview questions, resume templates, and a career ladder written specifically for operations research analystss.

Operations Research (OR) Analysts use advanced mathematical + analytical methods to solve complex business problems β€” supply chain optimization, network design, scheduling, pricing, forecasting, risk analysis. Career splits: analytics + data science at tech + retail (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy), supply chain + logistics (FedEx, UPS, Maersk, Amazon), consulting (Big 4 + boutique OR firms), defense + intelligence (DoD, NSA, RAND, MITRE, Booz Allen), airlines + travel (American, Delta, United, Sabre), financial services + insurance analytics, healthcare analytics. Path: Master's or PhD in Operations Research + Industrial Engineering + Applied Math + Statistics + related field. Median compensation: entry $85-115k; mid-career $115-155k; senior + specialty $145-210k+; consulting + management $175-280k+.

Core Skills Hiring Managers Screen For

Optimization theory + techniques
Linear programming, integer programming, network optimization, dynamic programming, heuristics + metaheuristics.
Simulation modeling
Monte Carlo simulation, discrete event simulation (Arena, Simio, AnyLogic), agent-based modeling.
Statistical + machine learning
Regression, time series forecasting, machine learning + neural networks. Practical application to business problems.
Optimization software (Gurobi + CPLEX + Xpress)
Commercial solvers. AMPL, GAMS, Julia for modeling.
Programming (Python + R + SAS)
Data manipulation + analysis + modeling. Python growing dominance in modern OR practice.
Data analysis + SQL
Querying large datasets + preparing model inputs. Cloud data platforms (Snowflake + BigQuery).
Business problem translation
Translating business problems into mathematical formulations. Understanding business constraints + objectives.
Communication + presentation
Explaining complex methods + results to non-technical stakeholders. Executive presentations + written reports.

How to Become a Operations Research Analysts

  1. 1
    Bachelor's in Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, or Computer Science
    STEM major with strong math + programming background.
  2. 2
    Master's in Operations Research or Industrial Engineering (typically required)
    MS/MSE in OR/IE, Applied Math, or Data Science. Top programs: MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Georgia Tech, Michigan, CMU, Cornell.
  3. 3
    Optional: PhD for research + academic + advanced industry roles
    Required for OR research + academia. Preferred for advanced modeling + PhD-required roles at research labs + top tech companies.
  4. 4
    Internships during graduate school (2-3 experiences)
    Structured programs at tech, retail, consulting, defense. Critical for landing full-time roles.
  5. 5
    Entry role: Operations Research Analyst / Data Scientist / Analytics Consultant
    Learn business + methodology + tools. Fast-paced learning environment.
  6. 6
    Specialize (Supply Chain, Machine Learning, Network Optimization)
    Specialization commands 30-50% premium. Machine learning + AI focus growing.
  7. 7
    Senior + Principal + Manager + Director path
    5-10+ years. Larger scope + team + strategic responsibility.
  8. 8
    Optional: PhD + academic + research career pivots
    For those pursuing research + academia + advanced industry roles.

Career Progression

Analyst / Associate (Entry)
0-2 yrs$85-115k Β· Consulting + tech $100-130k
  • β€’Build models + prototypes
  • β€’Data + analysis work
  • β€’Learning tools + methods
Next: Sr Analyst / Associate.
Senior Analyst / Consultant
2-5 yrs$105-145k Β· Consulting + tech $130-180k
  • β€’Independent modeling
  • β€’Business partner collaboration
  • β€’Mentor junior analysts
Next: Principal / Manager.
Principal / Manager
5-10 yrs$135-195k Β· Consulting Principal $170-260k Β· Tech $180-260k+
  • β€’Own major business problems
  • β€’Team leadership + technical mentorship
  • β€’Strategic modeling projects
Next: Director / VP.
Director / VP of Analytics / Chief Data Officer
10-20+ yrs$180-320k+ Β· Executive Analytics $250-500k+ + equity
  • β€’Full analytics function + P&L
  • β€’Executive team + board reporting
  • β€’Digital transformation leadership
Next: CDO / CTO / CEO.
Chief Data Officer / VP Analytics
18+ yrs$300-600k+ Β· Public tech CDO $500k-$1.2M+
  • β€’Full data + analytics + AI strategy
  • β€’Board + investor reporting
  • β€’Executive team member

Interview Questions & Answers

5 free questions below. Career Kit unlocks 12 total plus resume bullets for every level.

Q1. Walk me through a modeling project you led.case
STAR. Real project: business problem, formulation, algorithm, validation, implementation, business impact. What worked + what you'd do differently. Screens for full ownership.
Q2. How would you approach [common OR problem: warehouse location, vehicle routing, scheduling]?case
Concrete: Understand business + constraints + objectives + trade-offs. Frame as OR problem. Data requirements + solution approach. Validation + implementation. Screens for real OR skill.
Q3. Tell me about a project that failed or missed expectations.behavioral
STAR. Real failure. Ownership + fix + prevention. Never blame team or data alone. Screens for growth mindset.
Q4. Why our company / role?culture
Research: technology stack, growth stage, industry, specific problem area. Concrete citation. Screens for genuine interest.
Q5. How do you validate a model?technical
Concrete: Train/test split. Hold-out validation. Historical backtesting. Sensitivity analysis. A/B testing in production. Never publish without validation. Screens for real modeling discipline.

Resume Template β€” OR Analyst (3-6 yrs)

Copy these bullets into your resume as a starting point. Career Kit includes bullets for every level of the ladder.

OR Analyst (3-6 yrs)
  • β–ΈOperations Research Analyst, [Company], responsible for [supply chain / pricing / scheduling] optimization models.
  • β–ΈMS in Industrial Engineering + Operations Research. Certified in Gurobi + Python (Advanced) + Machine Learning.
  • β–ΈDelivered $28M annual value through supply chain network optimization + inventory model improvements.
  • β–ΈPublished in [journal or conference] with 2 industry-recognized case studies.

What Gets You Rejected

  • βœ—Weak mathematical or statistical fundamentals.
  • βœ—Can't articulate business impact of past projects (only technical output).
  • βœ—Poor programming skills or documentation habits.
  • βœ—Bad-mouthing prior team or business users.
  • βœ—Weak stakeholder communication.
  • βœ—Rigid on methodology or technology.
  • βœ—Missing publications or applied work portfolio.
  • βœ—Inability to work with ambiguity.

Salary Negotiation Levers

  • βœ“Base + performance bonus + equity (tech companies).
  • βœ“Sign-on bonus $10-40k common at consulting + tech.
  • βœ“Continuing education budget $5-8k/year.
  • βœ“Remote work flexibility.
  • βœ“Bonus tied to project delivery + business impact + billability (consulting).
  • βœ“PTO (4-6 weeks common).
  • βœ“Home office + technology stipend.
  • βœ“Conference attendance budget.
  • βœ“Publication + open source support.

Operations Research Analysts Resume Review β€” $29

Personalized resume review from someone who has hired operations research analystss. Purchase, email your resume to support@weblabra.com, and receive detailed written feedback within 7 days.

  • βœ“ Occupation-specific critique (not generic)
  • βœ“ Rewrite suggestions for weak bullets
  • βœ“ Missing skills / keywords flagged
  • βœ“ Formatting + ATS-readability feedback
  • βœ“ 7-day turnaround, 100% refund if we miss it

Operations Research Analysts Career Kit β€” $19

  • βœ“ All 12 interview questions with expert answers
  • βœ“ 10 real questions aggregated from Glassdoor, Blind, Reddit, LinkedIn
  • βœ“ Interview format intel for 8 top employers
  • βœ“ 3 copy-paste salary negotiation emails
  • βœ“ Resume bullets for every level of the career ladder
  • βœ“ 30–60–90 day plan for your first role
  • βœ“ Cover letter templates specific to this occupation
  • βœ“ Detailed salary negotiation script
  • βœ“ Ranked list of certifications with cost + ROI
  • βœ“ Downloadable PDF for offline access
  • βœ“ Instant access, no expiration, no subscription
βœ“ 7-day money-back guarantee β€” no questions asked

One-time purchase. 7-day refund guarantee.

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Operations Research Analysts Salary by State

Best Cities (cost-adjusted) β†’

Salary Map β€” Click a state for details

$59K
$130Kβ–  No data

Top Paying States

Colorado
$130K
+46%
Virginia
$129K
+46%
Alabama
$116K
+30%
New York
$109K
+22%
Ohio
$104K
+17%
Idaho
$104K
+16%
Oregon
$102K
+15%
California
$102K
+15%
Delaware
$101K
+14%
Hawaii
$101K
+13%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
StateMedianvs. National
Colorado$129,880+46.0%
Virginia$129,460+45.6%
Alabama$115,630+30.0%
New York$108,610+22.1%
Ohio$103,620+16.5%
Idaho$103,600+16.5%
Oregon$102,170+14.9%
California$102,100+14.8%
Delaware$101,070+13.6%
Hawaii$100,600+13.1%
1–10 of 47

Operations Research Analysts Salary by Metro Area

Metro AreaMedianvs. National
Colorado Springs, CO$140,590+58.1%
Lexington Park, MD$135,300+52.1%
Huntsville, AL$132,000+48.4%
Peoria, IL$129,300+45.4%
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO$127,810+43.7%
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$127,600+43.5%
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$123,360+38.7%
Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH$122,570+37.8%
Bakersfield-Delano, CA$119,020+33.8%
Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL$118,810+33.6%
1–10 of 185
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A operations research analysts earning $88,940/year would need 670 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 720 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
See all sports & celebrity salaries β†’
πŸ“ˆ See how operations research analysts salaries have changed over the past decade.
View Operations Research Analysts salary trend (2011–2024) β†’