Operations Research Analysts: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)
Computer and Mathematical · SOC 15-2031 · O*NET 15-2031.00
Operations Research Analysts fall under the Computer and Mathematical category in the U.S. occupational classification. Operations Research Analysts earn a median salary of $91,290 per year, ranking in the top 18% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +21.5% job growth through 2034, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.
What do operations research analysts earn?
The median annual wage for operations research analysts is $91,290. That puts operations research analysts at #144 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.
Is operations research analysts a growing career?
The 10-year outlook for operations research analysts is +21.5%, projected to grow far faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 112K positions in 2024 to 136K in 2034, a net change of 24K. Very fast growth indicates significant talent shortages and unusually strong hiring momentum — often the most resilient outlook a teenager can plan toward.
What education does my child need to become operations research analyst?
The standard path into operations research analysts begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.
Related careers your child might also consider
How parents help teens explore careers like this
Solyo helps parents map a teen's interests to specific careers, then back to the colleges and majors that lead there. Salary, outlook, and education data come from BLS and O*NET — the same sources high school counselors use — but presented for the parent's planning lens, not the student's exploration view.
Common questions parents ask about operations research analysts
What is the median salary for operations research analysts?
The median annual salary for operations research analysts is $91,290 according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Is operations research analysts a growing career?
BLS projects +21.5% growth for operations research analysts from 2024 through 2034, which is very fast growth projected to grow far faster than the US average.
What education does my child need to become operations research analyst?
The typical entry path requires a bachelor's degree, plus any state licensure or certification specific to the role. Programs that align well with this career can be filtered inside Solyo's college search.
What careers are similar to operations research analysts?
Related occupations within the Computer and Mathematical category share education paths and skill profiles, so they're a useful starting set when a teen is uncertain. The "Related careers" section below lists nearby options.
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics program. Skills, tasks, and education distribution from the O*NET database. Job outlook from the BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 release.