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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.
Other titles employers use
Advanced Analytics Associate · Analytical Strategist · Decision Analyst · Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst) · Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist) · Optimization Analyst · Researcher · Operations Analyst
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, organizing and persuading work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Persuading
- Leading, selling, starting projects, or making a case
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Subjects to know
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.3 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 1.9 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 1.6 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A master's degree 53%
- A four-year degree 33%
- A doctorate or professional degree 14%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Operating system software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Development environment software
- Data base management system software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Business intelligence and data analysis software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 24,400
- Job openings each year
- 1,740
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 19.6%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 24,400 | 1,740 | 19.6% |
| Texas | 17,290 | 1,400 | 43.4% |
| Florida | 10,230 | 770 | 27.6% |
| New Jersey | 8,700 | 630 | 20.8% |
| Virginia | 8,690 | 630 | 22.6% |
| New York | 6,020 | 40 | 6.4% |
| Illinois | 5,530 | 390 | 18.9% |
| Georgia | 5,450 | 400 | 23.6% |
| Maryland | 5,080 | 380 | 26.7% |
| Ohio | 4,730 | 340 | 21.3% |
| Missouri | 4,090 | 300 | 26.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 3,800 | 280 | 22.2% |
| Wisconsin | 3,620 | 270 | 24.8% |
| Washington | 3,110 | 280 | 20.1% |
| North Carolina | 3,010 | 230 | 28.1% |
| District of Columbia | 2,870 | 200 | 18.6% |
| Arizona | 2,690 | 210 | 34.5% |
| Oregon | 2,030 | 150 | 28.5% |
| Minnesota | 1,930 | 140 | 22.2% |
| Utah | 1,880 | 150 | 37.2% |
| Tennessee | 1,870 | 150 | 35.5% |
| Indiana | 1,860 | 140 | 24.0% |
| Colorado | 1,600 | 120 | 29.0% |
| Massachusetts | 1,600 | 120 | 23.1% |
| Michigan | 1,530 | 110 | 20.5% |
| Kentucky | 1,460 | 110 | 20.7% |
| South Carolina | 1,200 | 90 | 34.8% |
| Connecticut | 1,090 | 80 | 17.2% |
| Delaware | 1,050 | 80 | 23.5% |
| Idaho | 800 | 60 | 33.3% |
| Iowa | 710 | 50 | 26.8% |
| Alabama | 630 | 40 | 18.9% |
| Louisiana | 630 | 40 | 21.2% |
| New Hampshire | 590 | 40 | 25.5% |
| Kansas | 570 | 40 | 21.3% |
| Oklahoma | 570 | 40 | 23.9% |
| New Mexico | 550 | 40 | 25.0% |
| Maine | 440 | 30 | 18.9% |
| Arkansas | 300 | 20 | 30.4% |
| Nebraska | 260 | 20 | 23.8% |
| Nevada | 240 | 20 | 26.3% |
| Mississippi | 230 | 20 | 35.3% |
| West Virginia | 230 | 20 | 27.8% |
| Rhode Island | 220 | 20 | 22.2% |
| Vermont | 200 | 20 | 25.0% |
| Montana | 150 | 10 | 25.0% |
| Alaska | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Puerto Rico | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
University of Southern California
- Degrees each year
- 1,221
- Admit rate
- 10%
- Annual cost after aid
- $20,000
University of California-Davis
- Degrees each year
- 502
- Admit rate
- 42%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Degrees each year
- 486
- Admit rate
- 57%
- Annual cost after aid
- $18,000
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 406
- Admit rate
- 17%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Degrees each year
- 303
- Admit rate
- 65%
- Annual cost after aid
- $18,000
University of California-San Diego
- Degrees each year
- 273
- Admit rate
- 25%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
New York University
- Degrees each year
- 245
- Admit rate
- 9%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Degrees each year
- 217
- Admit rate
- 61%
- Annual cost after aid
- $20,000