# 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/operations-research-analysts
- SOC code: 15-2031.00
- Career family: Computers and math
- Median annual pay: $88,940 (10th percentile $57,060, 90th percentile $159,910)
- Projected growth: Much faster than average, +11.9%
- Openings a year: 7,500
- Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
- Bright outlook: yes
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code ICE)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 15 |
| Investigative (I) | 88 |
| Artistic (A) | 20 |
| Social (S) | 17 |
| Enterprising (E) | 36 |
| Conventional (C) | 79 |

## What you'd do

- Getting Information (importance 95/100)
- Analyzing Data or Information (importance 92/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 92/100)
- Working with Computers (importance 92/100)
- Processing Information (importance 87/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 83/100)
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (importance 81/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 81/100)
- Thinking Creatively (importance 78/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 76/100)

## Skills

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

## Knowledge

Mathematics, Computers and Electronics, Engineering and Technology, Production and Processing, English Language, Design, Education and Training, Administration and Management, Economics and Accounting, Customer and Personal Service

## Also called

Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Analytics Consultant, Business Analyst, Business Operations Analyst, Business Process Analyst, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Decision Analyst, Decision Support Analyst, File System Installer

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/5213) (CIP 5213, 631 colleges)
- [Operations Research](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/1437) (CIP 1437, 44 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [Columbia University in the City of New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york-656) | Operations Research | $125,285 | $167,572 | not reported |
| [New York University NYU](https://www.collegesref.com/college/new-york-university-nyu-1866) | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $111,101 | $158,559 | $13,250 |
| [University of Pennsylvania UPENN](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-pennsylvania-upenn-3009) | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $125,147 | $153,279 | $11,250 |
| [Cornell University-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cornell-university-new-york-710) | Operations Research | $102,318 | $151,709 | $13,500 |
| [Wake Forest University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/wake-forest-university-3149) | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | not reported | $146,608 | not reported |
| [University of Virginia-Main Campus UVA](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-virginia-main-campus-uva-3072) | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $95,369 | $139,095 | $13,850 |
| [University of California-Berkeley CAL](https://www.collegesref.com/college/university-of-california-berkeley-cal-2881) | Operations Research | $95,812 | $138,883 | $10,479 |
| [Rutgers University-New Brunswick Main Campus](https://www.collegesref.com/college/rutgers-university-new-brunswick-main-campus-2279) | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $85,884 | $126,906 | $16,698 |

## Related careers

- [Data Scientists](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/data-scientists): $120,230 median pay
- [Management Analysts](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/management-analysts): $101,860 median pay
- [Software Developers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/software-developers): $135,980 median pay
- [Database Architects](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/database-architects): $139,500 median pay
- [Computer Systems Analysts](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/computer-systems-analysts): $105,850 median pay
- [Statisticians](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/statisticians): $105,650 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.