Operations Research Analyst

Your Fit

Income

$91K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

22.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Operations Research Analyst?

An Operations Research Analyst uses advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations investigate complex issues, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions. They apply a range of techniques including simulation, statistical analysis, and optimization to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.

Sample job titles:

Analytical Strategist, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Researcher

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Operations Research Analyst.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Operations Research Analyst earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$54K per year	$67K per year	$91K per year	$124K per year	$159K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $42K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Operations Research Analyst do?

Work environment

Operations Research Analysts are often found in office settings within various industries, including government, finance, healthcare, logistics, and technology. They typically work on teams that include managers and professionals from other departments. The role involves a substantial amount of computer work, data analysis, and presentation of findings.

Quick task list

Applies analytical methods to analyze and improve operational processes.
Develops mathematical models to simulate systems and predict outcomes.
Collects and analyzes data to identify trends and solve problems.
Advises managers and decision-makers on the implications of various courses of action.
Writes reports and presents findings to stakeholders.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Optimizing supply chains and logistics operations.
Data Analytics and Statistical Analysis: Focusing on data-driven techniques to inform decision-making.
Financial Engineering: Applying operations research to financial strategy and risk management.
Healthcare Systems Analysis: Improving efficiency and delivery in healthcare settings.
Manufacturing Process Optimization: Enhancing manufacturing processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Description

Operations Research Analysts are critical in helping organizations operate more efficiently and effectively. They use a combination of analytical skills, advanced mathematical techniques, and problem-solving abilities to tackle a range of challenges. This might include streamlining operations, improving supply chain logistics, allocating resources more efficiently, or managing risk.

The role requires strong quantitative skills, as well as the ability to think critically and creatively to devise practical solutions to complex problems. Operations Research Analysts must be proficient in statistics, modeling, and computational methods, and often use specialized software for data analysis and simulation.

Communication skills are also essential, as these analysts must explain their methods and findings to others, often in a non-technical manner. They typically work on teams and collaborate with other professionals, which requires good interpersonal skills. The nature of the work can vary significantly depending on the industry, offering diverse opportunities and challenges.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making impactful decisions that improve organizational operations.
The intellectual challenge and variety of problems faced in different projects.
The satisfaction of finding effective, data-driven solutions to complex issues.

You might make a good Operations Research Analyst if you are...

Analytically minded, with a strong aptitude for mathematics and statistics.
A problem solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges.
Interested in applying quantitative methods to real-world situations.
Skilled in communication, able to explain complex concepts clearly.
Detail-oriented and organized in your approach to work.

Pros:

High demand in various industries, offering diverse career opportunities.
Intellectual satisfaction from solving challenging problems.
Good earning potential and career growth prospects.

Cons:

Can involve intensive and prolonged periods of data analysis and computer work.
Pressure to meet deadlines and deliver accurate recommendations.
The need for continuous learning to keep up with new analytical methods and technologies.

How to become an Operations Research Analyst

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in operations research, mathematics, engineering, or a related field is typically required, which amounts to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Many roles, especially in research or higher-level positions, may require a master's degree or PhD.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, particularly calculus and statistics, to develop strong analytical skills.
Computer Science to gain familiarity with programming and data analysis tools.
Economics or Business Studies for understanding organizational contexts.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in math clubs or competitions.
Engaging in programming or data science projects.
Joining debate or model UN clubs to develop problem-solving and presentation skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in operations research, mathematics, statistics, or engineering.
Consider internships in industries like logistics, manufacturing, or healthcare to gain practical experience.
Develop skills in software tools used in operations research, such as R, Python, or specialized optimization software.

More resources

Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) - Offers resources and certifications for operations research professionals.
Operations Research Society of America - Provides information on careers and education in operations research.
Khan Academy - Free online courses in mathematics and statistics basics.
Coursera - Offers courses in operations research, data analysis, and related fields.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.