Occupation · SOC 15-2031
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
$91,290
$53,910–$159,280
Projected growth
+21.5%
Faster than average
Annual openings
2,410
per year
Employed (US)
107,760
Job Zone 5
Typical preparation
Extensive preparation
Stackable credential programs
240 mapped
Core skills
MathematicsComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive Learning
Knowledge areas
MathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyProduction and ProcessingEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Analytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareData base management system softwareOperating system softwareCustomer relationship management CRM software
Representative tasks
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.Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.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.Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.Review research literature.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Mathematical and simulation model components — identify and document under direct supervision when formulating initial problem representations in a structured analytical environment.Data requirements for assigned analysis tasks — gather and organize using established protocols and statistical validation procedures within a team-based operations research project.Analytical or scientific software tools — apply to run predefined model configurations and record outputs under guidance from senior analysts in a professional analytics setting.Operational problems described by management — interpret and restate as structured problem definitions with support from experienced colleagues in a consulting or corporate OR team.Model validation procedures — execute using standard testing scripts and report discrepancies to supervising analysts during the model development lifecycle.Management reports summarizing analytical findings — draft initial sections following established organizational templates under close review by senior staff.Current operational systems under study — observe and record component behaviors and data flows using structured observation checklists in manufacturing, logistics, or service environments.Database query tools and management software — use to extract and stage relevant datasets for analysis under direction in a data-rich enterprise environment.Quantitative findings from completed analyses — present in structured formats to internal team members under rehearsal conditions supervised by a senior analyst.Active listening and reading comprehension skills — apply to absorb technical briefings and stakeholder inputs accurately during problem scoping sessions with organizational clients.
developing
Mathematical or simulation models of operational problems — formulate independently by defining variables, constraints, and objective functions for moderately complex scenarios in logistics, finance, or operations settings.Data validation and statistical testing procedures — design and execute with limited oversight to confirm dataset integrity before model calibration in a professional OR environment.Model adequacy assessments — conduct using sensitivity analysis and scenario testing, reformulating model structures when performance benchmarks are not met on assigned projects.Management-facing analytical reports — prepare with clear problem definitions, methodology summaries, and actionable recommendations for recurring operational challenges.Cross-functional project teams — collaborate with to align analytical outputs with implementation constraints across engineering, IT, and operations departments.Analytical software platforms such as simulation and optimization suites — configure and adapt for project-specific requirements in a mid-size corporate or government analytical unit.Operational system observations and multi-source data collection — synthesize into coherent component-level problem analyses supporting decision-making for supply chain or resource allocation problems.Results of quantitative modeling and data analysis — present to management audiences using structured visualizations and plain-language narratives in stakeholder briefings.Complex problem-solving frameworks — apply adaptively when standard solution approaches are insufficient, drawing on cross-disciplinary knowledge in production, engineering, or technology domains.Time management and project coordination skills — exercise to deliver phased analytical deliverables on schedule within multi-analyst OR engagements subject to organizational deadlines.
proficient
Large-scale mathematical and simulation models — formulate autonomously for high-complexity, multi-variable operational problems spanning conflicting objectives and binding real-world constraints in enterprise or government contexts.Full data requirements lifecycle — define, validate, and govern end-to-end using advanced statistical tests and judgment-based quality controls for mission-critical analytical programs.Model validation and reformulation cycles — lead across the complete development pipeline, applying rigorous adequacy testing and iterative redesign to ensure solution reliability in production deployments.Comprehensive management reports on complex operational problems — author independently, synthesizing quantitative evidence with strategic recommendations targeted to executive decision-makers.Implementation of chosen analytical solutions — champion and facilitate across organizational boundaries, resolving technical and stakeholder obstacles through skilled coordination and systems analysis.Operational system components and interdependencies — analyze holistically using diverse data sources and advanced systems evaluation techniques to uncover root causes of performance deficiencies.Non-routine analytical challenges involving novel data types or emergent problem structures — resolve by applying inductive and deductive reasoning with advanced mathematical and computational methods.High-stakes presentation of modeling results and analytical conclusions — deliver persuasively to senior leadership and external clients, adapting technical depth to audience expertise.Advanced analytical and scientific software ecosystems including optimization, simulation, and statistical platforms — integrate and customize to meet complex, project-specific modeling requirements.Judgment and decision-making under uncertainty — exercise with organizational consequence, selecting among competing analytical approaches based on risk tolerance, data quality, and strategic priorities.
advanced
Organizational operations research strategy and methodological standards — define and institutionalize to ensure analytical rigor and strategic alignment across all OR programs and teams.Enterprise-wide problem conceptualization frameworks — develop and champion to translate ambiguous organizational challenges into well-posed mathematical models at portfolio scale.Next-generation modeling and analytical capabilities — pioneer by integrating emerging computational methods, machine learning, and simulation paradigms into the organization's analytical infrastructure.Senior and junior operations research professionals — mentor and develop through structured learning strategies, code and model reviews, and progressive assignment of high-complexity problem ownership.Cross-enterprise implementation of transformational analytical solutions — lead by aligning executive sponsors, functional leaders, and technical teams to overcome adoption barriers at organizational scale.Analytical governance policies and data quality standards — establish and enforce across departments to ensure defensible, reproducible operations research outputs used in high-stakes decisions.Organizational leadership and C-suite stakeholders — advise authoritatively on complex operational and strategic decisions by translating advanced quantitative findings into clear executive guidance.Research partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry consortia — cultivate and direct to advance the organization's OR capabilities and influence field-level best practices.Investment prioritization for analytical technology platforms and OR talent pipelines — lead by evaluating emerging tools, assessing organizational capability gaps, and allocating resources strategically.Culture of intellectual curiosity, innovation, and analytical rigor — foster organization-wide by modeling achievement orientation, sponsoring experimental initiatives, and recognizing high-impact analytical contributions.
Also known as
385 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Bomber (Air Force 61D3R)Air Warfare Research Officer (Navy 2105)Space Operations, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force 13S4V)Space Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S3N)Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst)Operations Analysis Officer, C2ISREW (Air Force 15A1Z)Ocean Systems Operations Officer (Navy 9464)Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist (Marine Corps 0211)Signals Collection Technician (Army 352S)Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization Officer (Navy 8696)Intelligence Specialist (Navy IS)Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator Journeyman (Air Force 1A852)Business AnalystResearch AnalystHuman Intelligence Collector (Army 35M)Cost Analysis (Air Force 65W1)Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force 61D3V)Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Bomber (Air Force 61D4R)Strategic Intelligence Officer (Army 35B)Space Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S1N)Nuclear Engineer (Marine Corps 8832)Red Team Member (Marine Corps 0506)Cyber Intelligence Craftsman (Air Force 1N471)Space Operations, Airlift (Air Force 13S1T)CWO - Oceanography Warrant Officer (Navy 780)AOC Senior Air Defense Officer (Navy 9145)Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Chinese (Air Force 1A851G)Space Projects Technologist (Navy 2098)Geospatial Intelligence Apprentice (Air Force 1N131)Policy AdvisorOperations Analysis Officer, Tanker (Air Force 15A3S)Operations Analysis Officer, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force 15A3V)Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force 13S4R)Signals Intelligence Craftsman, Electronic Non-Communications Analyst (Air Force 1N271A)Space Systems Operations (Air Force 1C6X1)Physicist/Nuclear Engineer, Tanker (Air Force 61D1S)Space Operations (Air Force 13S1)Special Forces (Army 18A)Special Reconnaissance Apprentice (Air Force 1Z431)Boatswain's Mate (Coast Guard BM)