What is the Job Outlook & Salary for an Operations Research Analyst?

Operations research analysts help managers decide on policies, rules and procedures necessary for an organization to function. These analysts were first used in the military, but now they have a place in civilian organizations.

Job Description

An operations research analyst uses mathematical techniques to research, develop and interpret information that will help the management of an organization to formulate policies and achieve other goals.

Job Outlook

Employment in this field is expected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 20 percent from 2008 through 2018, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), as of November 2010.

Salary

In 2008, the median wage for this occupation was $69,000 in 2008, and the middle 50 percent of operations research analysts earned between $51,780 and $92,920, according to the BLS.

Necessary Training

The minimum education requirement for this job is a bachelor's degree in operations management, management science or a related field, along with extensive math-related coursework. Though this is the minimum requirement, most employers prefer advanced degrees.

References

• Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11: Operations Research Analysts