Operations Research Analyst Careers

Operations Research Analyst Careers Information

How should funds be allocated among various departments within a company? How much inventory is needed to keep operations running smoothly without waste? Operations research analysts use their strong background in mathematics, computer science, and/or business to solve many of the complex problems that face large businesses today.

Operations Research Analyst Careers & Degrees

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Operations research analysts work closely with management to find out the company’s concerns and often offer many potential solutions to a single problem. Operations research analysts must be flexible to the ever-changing conditions of a business, ready to adjust their recommendations as needed.

Operations Research Analyst Careers Path

Most operations research analysts have a least a Master’s degree in operations research or a related field–computer science, mathematics, business–with a Bachelor’s degree in the same vein. Those with dual degrees in both operations research and computer science are highly valued.

Operations research analysts can expect to go through continual training throughout their careers because of continuing technological advances.

Operations Research Analyst Careers: Compatible Personality Traits

Strong problem-solving skills, good handling large amounts of data, excellent communicator, works well with others, good under pressure.

Operations Research Analyst Careers: Salary Expectations

The average salary for an operations research analyst is $69,000 a year, with the middle fifty percent making between $51,780 and $92,920 a year. For those working for the Federal Government, the average salary is $91,207.

Operations Research Analyst Careers: Job Outlook

The job outlook for operations research analysts in the coming years is good. As businesses continue their mission to increase efficiency and information technologies become more affordable, demand for the services of operations research analysts will increase. Those with multiple graduate degrees and those skilled with the latest technology will have the best chance of employment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by 22% by 2018, which is higher than the national average.

Slightly off the Footpath

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://bls.gov/oco/ocos044.htm (visited November 9, 2011).