Career profile for Operations Research Analyst

What does an Operations Research Analyst do?

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.

In addition, Operations Research Analysts

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.

What kind of tasks does an Operations Research Analyst perform regularly?

Operations Research Analysts are often responsible for overseeing or executing some or all of the following tasks:

Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.
Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.
Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.

The above responsibilities are specific to Operations Research Analysts. More generally, Operations Research Analysts are involved in several broader types of activities:

Activities	Importance	Details
Working with Computers		Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information		Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems		Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information		Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information		Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

What is an Operations Research Analyst salary?

The median salary for an Operations Research Analyst is $86,200, and the average salary is $92,280. Both the median and average roughly describe the middle of the Operations Research Analyst salary range, but the average is more easily affected by extremely high or low salaries.

Many Operations Research Analysts earn significantly more or less than the average, due to several factors. About 10% of Operations Research Analysts earn less than $48,050 per year, 25% earn less than $63,070, 75% earn less than $115,080, and 90% earn less than $144,330.

Between the years of 2020 and 2030, the number of Operations Research Analysts is expected to change by 24.6%, and there should be roughly 10,200 open positions for Operations Research Analysts every year.

Median annual salary: $86,200
Typical salary range: $48,050 - $144,330
Projected growth (2020 - 2030): 24.6%

What personality traits are common among Operations Research Analysts?

Interests

Career interests describe a person's preferences for different types of working environments and activities. When a person's interest match the demands of an occupation, people are usually more engaged and satisfied in that role.

Compared to most occupations, those who work as an Operations Research Analyst are usually higher in their Investigative, Conventional, and Enterprising interests.

Operations Research Analysts typically have very strong Investigative interests. Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Also, Operations Research Analysts typically have strong Conventional interests. Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Lastly, Operations Research Analysts typically have moderate Enterprising interests. Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Values

People differ in their values, or what is most important to them for building job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Compared to most people, those working as an Operations Research Analyst tend to value Achievement, Independence, and Working Conditions.

Most importantly, Operations Research Analysts very strongly value Achievement. Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

Second, Operations Research Analysts strongly value Independence. Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions.

Lastly, Operations Research Analysts strongly value Working Conditions. Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions.

Psychological Demands

Each occupation brings its own set of psychological demands, which describe the characteristics necessary to perform the job well.

In order to perform their job successfully, people who work as Operations Research Analysts must consistently demonstrate qualities such as analytical thinking, integrity, and attention to detail.

Below, you'll find a list of qualities typically required of Operations Research Analysts, ranked by importance:

Demands	Importance	Details
Analytical Thinking		Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Integrity		Job requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to Detail		Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability		Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Innovation		Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Analytical Thinking

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Integrity

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Attention to Detail

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Innovation

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

What education and training do Operations Research Analysts need?

Many Operations Research Analysts have earned a graduate degree. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D..

Operations Research Analysts may need some on-the-job training, but most candidates will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Educational degrees among Operations Research Analysts

0.9% did not complete high school or secondary school
5.7% completed high school or secondary school
13.0% completed some college coursework
6.7% earned a Associate's degree
40.0% earned a Bachelor's degree
28.9% earned a Master's degree
4.8% earned a doctorate or professional degree

Knowledge and expertise required by Operations Research Analysts

Operations Research Analysts may benefit from understanding of specialized subject areas, such as mathematics, computers and electronics, or engineering and technology knowledge.

The list below shows several areas in which most Operations Research Analysts might want to build proficiency, ranked by importance.

Knowledge areas	Importance	Details
Mathematics		Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics		Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology		Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Administration and Management		Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Economics and Accounting		Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Important Abilities needed by Operations Research Analysts

Operations Research Analysts must develop a particular set of abilities to perform their job well. Abilities are individual capacities that influence a person's information processing, sensory perception, motor coordination, and physical strength or endurance. Individuals may naturally have certain abilities without explicit training, but most abilities can be sharpened somewhat through practice.

For example, Operations Research Analysts need abilities such as mathematical reasoning, written comprehension, and inductive reasoning in order to perform their job at a high level. The list below shows several important abilities for Operations Research Analysts, ranked by their relative importance.

Abilities	Importance	Details
Mathematical Reasoning		The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Written Comprehension		The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning		The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Number Facility		The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Oral Expression		The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Critical Skills needed by Operations Research Analysts

Skills are developed capacities that enable people to function effectively in real-world settings. Unlike abilities, skills are typically easier to build through practice and experience. Skills influence effectiveness in areas such as learning, working with others, design, troubleshooting, and more.

Operations Research Analysts frequently use skills like mathematics, critical thinking, and complex problem solving to perform their job effectively. The list below shows several critical skills for Operations Research Analysts, ranked by their relative importance.

Skills	Importance	Details
Mathematics		Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking		Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving		Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension		Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening		Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

What is the source of this information?

The information provided on this page is adapted from data and descriptions published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration under the CC BY 4.0 license. TraitLab has modified some information for ease of use and reading, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this information, please send a message.

Career profile Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

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