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.
BLS SOC 15-2031 · O*NET-SOC 15-2031.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$88,940
Projected change, 2025–2035
11.9%
2025–2035 annual average openings
7,500
AI exposure
Very high
Editorial analysis
Optimization gets a conversational interface
Operations research analysts have long used mathematics to answer questions such as where resources should go, how schedules should be arranged, and what happens when constraints change. AI can make those models easier to build, query, explain, and connect to live operational data.
From one optimal answer to a conversation about trade-offs
Instead of presenting a single optimized plan, analysts may increasingly work interactively with decision-makers. What happens if staffing drops by 10 percent? What if one warehouse closes? What if the company values resilience more than the lowest possible cost? AI can help generate and explain alternatives quickly enough for analysis to become part of a live decision rather than a report delivered afterward.
- Model formulation and coding can become faster.
- Scenario generation may expand dramatically.
- Complex optimization results can be translated into clearer language.
- Choosing realistic constraints remains a deeply human modeling decision.
The future role may place even greater value on analysts who understand operations well enough to know what the equations leave out. A model can optimize the world it has been given. The analyst still has to decide whether that world resembles the real one.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 113,100 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 126,600 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 13,500 jobs (11.9%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Very high. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Very high
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data base management system software
- Operating system software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Financial analysis software
- Development environment software
- Object or component oriented development software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.