Headline risk
8%
Low RiskOperations research analysts
United States AI Work Index tracks this occupation on the shared structural baseline and then layers on local demand resilience, wages, and confidence.
Why This Score
Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities
Median annual wage
Projected employment change over 10 years
Typical preparation needed for this occupation
Occupation profile
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.
Task evidence
95% weighted task match · 29% effective coverage
Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works
United States Now
Median Wage
USD 91,290
Employment 2024
112.1K
Projected Change (2024–34)
21.5%
Openings (2024–34)
9.6K
Wage distribution
Demand outlook
Employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 21 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Role Profile
Tasks
- 1. Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users. AI use: 0%
- 2. Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary. AI use: 0%
- 3. Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions. AI use: 0%
- 4. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters. AI use: 92%
- 5. Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources. AI use: 0%
- 6. Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests. AI use: 0%
Technologies
Requirements
Work context
Worker profile
Median age 44.4 · 178K employed
Under 25: 4% · 25–54: 73% · 55+: 24%
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Source coverage
11/11 source families · O*NET 30.2 / OEWS 2024 / ORS 2025 / OOH 2025-08-28 / Projections 2024-34 / CPS 2025 / Anthropic task penetration
Mapping quality
crosswalk_exact · employment series present
Narrative & sources
Operations research analysts use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues.
Operations research analysts spend much of their time in office settings, although travel may be necessary to meet with clients. Most operations research analysts work full time.
Operations research analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s degree. Analysts may need a degree in operations research or a related field, such as applied mathematics.
The median annual wage for operations research analysts was $91,290 in May 2024.
Employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 21 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Published limitations
This page shows the local country layer, not realised individual job outcomes. The global structural baseline is shared across countries; only the local demand and wage layer changes here.
Built from O*NET occupation descriptions, task statements, technology skills, work context, Job Zones, Anthropic task penetration, BLS OEWS wages, BLS projection tables, BLS ORS requirements, BLS OOH narrative content, BLS skills data, and BLS CPS occupation age tables.