Career Explorer Computing and maths
Grows with AI
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.
Changing faster than most: more resilient than 23% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by +11.9% by 2035, much faster than average. The work leans on creative vision.
AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.
- Median pay (2025)
- $88,940
- Job growth to 2035
- +11.9%
- Openings a year
- 7,500
- People doing it (2025)
- 113,000
- Usual route in
- Bachelor's degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Determine operational methods or procedures
- Coordinate with others to resolve problems
- Present research or technical information
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Maintain operational records
- Analyze data to improve operations
- Manage budgets or finances
What the work looks like
- 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.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects
- More of these jobs, as operations research analysts will be needed to analyze growing amounts of data and help businesses optimize and improve processes.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Computer and information research scientistsGrows with AI, Index 41, +21.8%
- Aerospace engineersGrows with AI, Index 38, +8.3%
- ActuariesGrows with AI, Index 32, +9.2%
- Materials scientistsGrows with AI, Index 35, +8.3%
Also known as: Analytical Strategist, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Researcher, Advanced Analytics Associate, Decision Analyst, Optimization Analyst.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.