Operations Research Analyst Salary in the United States
Based on 104K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$89,241
$42.904/hr
▲ 0.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$80K – $183K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
104K
workers nationwide
Operations Research Analyst salary in the United States reflects strong compensation for skilled professionals in this technical field. The median annual salary stands at $88,990, with approximately 107,710 workers currently employed in this role. This middle-tier compensation demonstrates the value organizations place on analytical expertise and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Salary variations for Operations Research Analysts depend on several key factors, including experience level, educational credentials, industry sector, and geographic location. Entry-level positions typically start near $61,730 annually, while senior analysts with extensive experience can earn upward of $181,210. Additional influences include employer size, company profitability, and specialized technical skills in optimization software and advanced modeling techniques.
Salary Distribution — Operations Research Analyst
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,570 |
| 25th percentile | $102,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $89,241 |
| 75th percentile | $160,220 |
| 90th percentile | $182,530 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Operations Research Analyst
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,360 |
| 2023 | $86,013 |
| 2024 | $88,990 |
| 2025 | $89,241 |
Operations Research Analyst Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do operations research analysts make per hour?
- Operations research analysts earn a median hourly rate of $43/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $88,990, with hourly rates varying based on experience and location.
What is the salary range for operations research analysts?
- The salary range for operations research analysts in the U.S. spans from $61,730 at the lower end to $181,210 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, education, and geographic location.
Which state pays operations research analysts the most?
- Virginia offers the highest compensation for operations research analysts, with a top paying salary of $123,050 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $88,990.
How many operations research analysts are employed in the US?
- There are currently 107,710 operations research analysts employed across the United States, indicating a substantial and established workforce in this field.