Operations Research Analyst Salary in the United States
Based on 104K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$89,241
$42.90/hr
▲ 0.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$59K – $140K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
104K
workers nationwide
The median Operations Research Analyst salary in the United States is $89,241 per year, translating to approximately $43 per hour. This field, vital for optimizing complex systems and decision-making, offers a salary range generally falling between $58,744 and $139,829 annually for its 104,330 professionals.
Several factors influence the Operations Research Analyst salary. Experience level is a primary driver, with more seasoned professionals commanding higher pay. Geographic location also plays a significant role; for example, Colorado offers one of the highest median salaries at $129,880. The specific industry and the complexity of the problems the analyst is tasked with solving can also impact compensation.
Salary Distribution — Operations Research Analyst
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,744 |
| 25th percentile | $70,323 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $89,241 |
| 75th percentile | $114,700 |
| 90th percentile | $139,829 |
Operations Research Analyst Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Operations Research Analyst
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | $129,880 | +45.5% | 770 |
| 2 | Virginia | $129,460 | +45.1% | 7K |
| 3 | Alabama | $115,630 | +29.6% | 550 |
| 4 | New York | $108,610 | +21.7% | 6K |
| 5 | Ohio | $103,620 | +16.1% | 3K |
| 6 | Idaho | $103,600 | +16.1% | 500 |
| 7 | Oregon | $102,170 | +14.5% | 3K |
| 8 | California | $102,100 | +14.4% | 11K |
| 9 | Delaware | $101,070 | +13.3% | 660 |
| 10 | Hawaii | $100,600 | +12.7% | 120 |
Operations Research Analyst Salary by Industry
How much Operations Research Analysts earn across industries nationwide — Manufacturing pays the most ($108,120 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturing | $108,120 | +21.2% | 4K |
| 2 | Utilities | $106,450 | +19.3% | 1K |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $105,240 | +17.9% | 420 |
| 4 | Wholesale Trade | $104,070 | +16.6% | 3K |
| 5 | Information | $102,160 | +14.5% | 6K |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $98,030 | +9.8% | 13K |
| 7 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $97,610 | +9.4% | 11K |
| 8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $94,990 | +6.4% | 25K |
| 9 | Transportation and Warehousing | $87,910 | -1.5% | 1K |
| 10 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $86,910 | -2.6% | 140 |
| 11 | Construction | $85,060 | -4.7% | 150 |
| 12 | Finance and Insurance | $80,870 | -9.4% | 26K |
| 13 | Retail Trade | $80,110 | -10.2% | 420 |
| 14 | Educational Services | $79,640 | -10.8% | 8K |
| 15 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $79,500 | -10.9% | 870 |
| 16 | Administrative and Support Services | $78,830 | -11.7% | 5K |
| 17 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $78,510 | -12.0% | 3K |
| 18 | Accommodation and Food Services | $77,570 | -13.1% | 50 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Operations Research Analyst
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Operations Research Analyst roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deloitte | $125,694 | 145 |
| 2 | Ernst & Young | $180,234 | 130 |
| 3 | Amazon | $133,300 | 97 |
| 4 | Intuit | $161,612 | 90 |
| 5 | PwC | $180,000 | 87 |
| 6 | Tiger Analytics | $165,000 | 62 |
| 7 | Tt Commerce & Global Services | $190,000 | 59 |
| 8 | Goldman Sachs | $74,500 | 46 |
Historical Salary Trend — Operations Research Analyst
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,360 |
| 2023 | $86,013 |
| 2024 | $88,990 |
| 2025 | $89,241 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,493 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Operations Research Analyst Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $70,323 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $89,241 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $114,700 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $139,829 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for an Operations Research Analyst in the US?
- The typical salary range for an Operations Research Analyst in the United States is from $58,744 to $139,829 annually. This wide span reflects variations in experience, location, and industry.
How much does an Operations Research Analyst make on average?
- The median salary for an Operations Research Analyst in the United States is $89,241 per year. This means half of all Operations Research Analysts earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
Which states pay the most for Operations Research Analysts?
- Colorado is a top-paying state for Operations Research Analysts, with a median salary of $129,880. Other high-paying states often correlate with strong economies and demand for analytical talent.
Is the hourly wage for Operations Research Analysts significant?
- Yes, the hourly wage is significant, with the median rate for an Operations Research Analyst in the US being $43 per hour. This equates to the annual median salary of $89,241.