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.
Also known as: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Analytics Consultant, Business Analyst, Business Operations Analyst, Business Process Analyst, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Decision Analyst, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Much faster than average)
What You'd Do
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
- Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
- Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
- 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.
- Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
- Review research literature.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.