How much does a Operations Research Analysts make?

The median annual wage for Operations Research Analysts is $88,940 ($43 per hour). Pay ranges from about $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $159,910 at the 90th percentile.

What is the average salary for a Operations Research Analysts?

The average (mean) annual salary is $99,730, which is higher than the median because a small number of high earners pull the average up.

Which state pays Operations Research Analystss the most?

Colorado has the highest median annual wage for this occupation at $129,880.

Is Operations Research Analysts a growing occupation?

BLS employment data for May 2025 counts about 109K people in this occupation. Projected growth is published separately in the BLS Employment Projections program.

What does a Operations Research Analysts 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..

Operations Research Analysts Salary

Computer and Mathematical Occupations · 109K employed in the U.S.

Median annual

$88,940

Median hourly

$43

Average annual

$99,730

Typical range

$57,060–$159,910

Pay distribution

10th to 90th percentile, with the median marked.

10th$57,060

25th$68,360

Median$88,940

75th$125,990

90th$159,910

What this role pays

The median annual salary for Operations Research Analysts is $88,940 as of May 2025, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. That works out to about $43 an hour at a full-time schedule.

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.

Most earn between $57,060 and $159,910 a year. There are roughly 109K people employed as operations research analysts in the United States. Use the state and metro pages below to see how pay changes by location, and the calculator to convert any hourly or annual figure.

Salary calculator

Convert your pay and see where it lands for Operations Research Analysts.

Pay amountPay period

Hours / weekWeeks / year

Hourly: $42.76
Daily: $342
Weekly: $1,710
Bi-weekly: $3,421
Monthly: $7,412
Annual: $88,940

$88,940 a year is around the 50th percentile for Operations Research Analystss. The median is $88,940.

Operations Research Analysts — U.S., May 2025
Percentile	Hourly	Annual
10th percentile	$27.40	$57,060
25th percentile	$32.90	$68,360
Median	$42.80	$88,940
75th percentile	$60.60	$125,990
90th percentile	$76.90	$159,910
Average (mean)	$48.00	$99,730
Employment	108,510 people

Key skills

Mathematics
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Judgment and Decision Making
Systems Analysis

Highest-paying states

Median annual wage by state.

1Colorado$129,880
2Virginia$129,460
3Alabama$115,630
4New York$108,610
5Ohio$103,620
6Idaho$103,600
7Oregon$102,170
8California$102,100
9Delaware$101,070
10Hawaii$100,600
11Maine$99,460
12Nebraska$98,300

Top-paying metro areas

Median annual wage by metro area.

1Colorado Springs, CO$140,590
2Lexington Park, MD$135,300
3Huntsville, AL$132,000
4Peoria, IL$129,300
5Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO$127,810
6Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV$127,600
7San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$123,360
8Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH$122,570
9Bakersfield-Delano, CA$119,020
10Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL$118,810
11York-Hanover, PA$117,740
12Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL$115,920

Related job titles

Employers advertise Operations Research Analysts roles under these titles.

Related occupations

What a Operations Research Analysts does

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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Operations Research Analysts make?: The median annual wage for Operations Research Analysts is $88,940 ($43 per hour). Pay ranges from about $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $159,910 at the 90th percentile.
What is the average salary for a Operations Research Analysts?: The average (mean) annual salary is $99,730, which is higher than the median because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
Which state pays Operations Research Analystss the most?: Colorado has the highest median annual wage for this occupation at $129,880.
Is Operations Research Analysts a growing occupation?: BLS employment data for May 2025 counts about 109K people in this occupation. Projected growth is published separately in the BLS Employment Projections program.
What does a Operations Research Analysts 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..