Operations research analyst essential career information:
- 2012 median pay: $72,100
- 2012, number of jobs: 69,180
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 15 percent
- Entry-level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Operations research analysts; what they do:
It some ways, operations research analysts and operational research analysts have similar responsibility as parents; they are responsible for aiding organizations in solving problems and learning to make better decisions.
In order to identify business problems, such as production, logistics, or sales issues, operations research analysts must collect large amounts of information and develop a system of organization; this helps them identify any problems, analyze issues through statistical analysis, simulation, and/or optimization, and determine the best method to fix a problem.
When considering possible solutions for problems, operations research analysts must determine what the effects of each change they suggest may have on the overall business operation. An operations research analyst career includes obtaining input from employees involved in any identified business problems.
Once the analyzing of an issue is complete, operations research analysts advise managers on how to proceed in resolving the problem. Operational research analysts generally write their findings and recommendations down in the form of a report or memo.
An operations research analyst career often includes working as part of a team that is working toward finding solutions to a common problem.
Operations research analyst job titles:
- Operations Analyst
- Operations Research Manager
- Analytical Strategist
- Business Analytics Director
- Business Insight and Analytics Manager
- Decision Analyst
- Operations Research Group Manager
Operations Research Analysts Education, Certification and License Requirements
An operations research analyst career begins with a minimum of a Bachelor of Operations Research degree, a Bachelor of Management Science degree, a Bachelor in Mathematical Sciences or a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science.
Most operations research analyst jobs beyond an entry-level job require a master’s degree such as a Master’s degree in Operations Research or a Master’s degree in Management Science.
Operations research analyst programs cover subjects such as:
- Statistics
- Calculus
- Linear algebra
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Political science
Operations research analysts don’t need specific licenses or certification, however taking continuing education courses throughout their career helps them keep up with technology advances.
Operations Research Analysts Job Outlook
Forecast: 15 percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020 for operations research analysts, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Both advances in technology and companies focusing on efficiency and cost savings increase the demand for operational research analysts. The military hires operations research analysts for policy development and implementation in other areas of government.
Operations Research Analyst Salary
- 2012 median annual wage: $72,100
- 2012, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $97,170
- 2012, workers at the 25% percentile annual wage: $53,120
Major Employers
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Finance and insurance companies
- Government
- Manufacturing
- Information companies
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