Operations Research Analyst Salary: Your 2025 Guide

Operational research analysts use sophisticated mathematical and analytical tools to support an organization’s decision-making process. Entrusted with gathering, structuring, and analyzing data pertinent to current and potential customers and competitors, operations research analysts help businesses derive actionable insights that enhance operational efficiency. 

Discover more about the role and salary prospects of operations research analysts in the United States.

What is an operations research analyst?  

An operations research analyst tackles complex challenges that negatively impact a firm’s operations and overall business health. Through their statistical insights, operations research analysts help businesses assess the potential outcomes of their current course of action and propose alternative solutions to optimize operations. Other common work duties of an operations research analyst include: 

• Preparing comprehensive reports on marketing results and consumer behavior

• Offering guidance on modeling and simulation analytical tools 

• Facilitating and creating partner promotion plans 

Did you know? Several decades ago,  the Oklahoma City Police Department collaborated with a team of operations research specialists to identify two prime sites for building police briefing stations. In the years preceding the construction, patrol personnel had to make a significant number of trips to their downtown headquarters, resulting in substantial travel time (20,500 hours per year) during shift changes [1].

How much does an operation research analyst make?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for an operations research analyst is $83,640 [5]. According to multiple job listing sites, the average annual income for an operation research analyst ranges from $68,487 to $108,934. The following table lists the salary ranges provided by each site. 

What factors impact an operations research analyst's salary?

Several factors, including educational background, work history, industry specialization, and geographical location, affect the job prospects for operations research analysts. Let's explore each of these factors in greater detail below.

Education

According to Zippia, the average annual salary for operations research analysts with a master's degree is $87,628, a bachelor's degree at $77,015, and a doctorate at approximately $92,251 [7].

The majority of operations research analysts, around 67 percent, hold a bachelor's degree, while approximately 22 percent have a master's degree, and 5 percent possess an associate degree [7].

According to Zippia, about 16 percent of operations research analysts major in mathematics, making it the most prevalent field of study. Business, industrial engineering, and operations research are among other common majors [7].

Certification

Certifications validate your expertise and open doors to a wider range of job roles and projects within your field. The following are some industry-recognized certifications that can exemplify your commitment to continuous learning as an operations research analyst:

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt

Read more: What Are Certificate Programs? A 2025 Guide

Experience

As your experience grows, so does your marketability and the demand for your skills. This can result in increased compensation as companies are willing to invest in seasoned professionals. Based on data amassed by Glassdoor, the figures below provide an approximate overview of average compensation at different experience levels for operations research analysts [6]:

• 0–1 year: $96,510

• 1–3 years: $111,531

• 4–6 years: $120,479

• 7–9 years: $125,129

• 10–14 years: $128,052

• 15 or more years: $145,809

Skills

Proficiency in data analysis, process improvement, and operations management can directly impact your yearly earnings as an operations research analyst, according to data compiled by Payscale [8]:

• Data analysis: $64,395

• Process improvement: $64,568

• Operations management: $66,206

Location

Your earnings can vary considerably depending on the geographical location of your employment. For instance, cities with strong economic growth, thriving industries, and a high concentration of businesses often offer higher salaries to attract and retain talent. Silicon Valley, located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area, is a case in point. 

Highest-paying cities for operations research analyst

Some of the top-paying cities for operations research analysts in the United States, according to Zippia, include[4]:

• Washington, DC: $99,687

• San Francisco, CA: $92,441

• Seattle, WA: $87,565

• New York, NY: $86,034

• Boston, MA: $79,018

• Philadelphia, PA: $75,794

Industry 

The salary structures for operations research analysts can differ across industries and job markets. Certain industries, such as government departments, information technology, and finance, tend to offer higher salaries due to the demand for specialized skills in improving operational efficiency.

Highest-paying industries for operations research analysts 

The list below highlights top-paying industries for operations research analysts in the United States, according to Glassdoor [6]: 

• Financial services: $154,768 

• Government and administration: $111,614

• Restaurants and food services: $90,557

Other common industries

From facilitating supply chains to optimizing advertising campaigns, operations research analyst roles are also important in the retail and transportation industries. The base compensation offered by each of these industries is summarized below [6]:

• Retail and wholesale: $109,611

• Transportation and logistics: $102,034

Company

A company's financial performance can impact its ability to offer lucrative salaries. For example, financially sound companies often invest in employee development programs, training opportunities, and performance-based bonuses, contributing to higher individual pay packages. 

Related job titles

The following job titles might serve as stepping stones should you wish to pursue a career as an operations research analyst.

Operations research scientist 

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $124,028 [9]

As an operations research scientist, your responsibilities include identifying gaps in scientific data, devising and executing research protocols, and sharing your insights through publications. 

Additionally, you may collaborate with fellow scientists on joint research projects. 

Operations research consultant

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $95,587 [10]

As an operations research consultant, you will conduct extensive research on intricate subjects and gather business intelligence for competitive analysis or market research. You may opt for an independent contractor role as a consultant, offering your expertise and services to clients on a project basis.

Operations manager

Average annual US base salary (Glassdoor): $77,773 [11]

As an operations manager, you will oversee your firm’s core operations, manage budgets, and ensure project delivery. Furthermore, you may assist firms in their production planning endeavors.  

Job outlook 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23 percent growth in job openings for operations research analysts between 2023 and 2033 [5]. The bureau’s average projection indicates roughly 11,300 job openings annually[5].

Next steps 

Operations research analysts with similar job titles have excellent job outlooks and salaries. To maximize your salary options, consider gaining as much experience as possible and considering the industry and company you work for.

Get hands-on training in business data analysis by enrolling in the Operations Analytics course offered by the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera. This beginner-friendly course, which takes approximately 10 hours to complete, doesn’t require prior experience in operations analytics.