Operations Research Analyst Salary in California
Based on 11K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$102,100
$49.09/hr
vs National Average
$89,241
+14.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $168K
11K employed in California
Operations Research Analyst salary in California averages $102,100 per year, positioning the state well above national benchmarks. With approximately 10,620 professionals working in this field across California, the role commands competitive compensation that reflects the state's high cost of living and demand for analytical expertise. Salaries in this region range from $65,510 to $168,030 annually, depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence Operations Research Analyst salary in California, including years of experience, industry sector, and geographic location within the state. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications in analytics or optimization techniques can significantly impact earning potential. Additionally, the concentration of major corporations and research institutions in California's tech hubs and urban centers creates competitive pressure that drives wages approximately 14 percent higher than the national average.
Salary Distribution — Operations Research Analyst in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,510 |
| 25th percentile | $79,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,100 |
| 75th percentile | $131,220 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 |
Top-Paying Industries for Operations Research Analyst (U.S.)
Which industries pay Operations Research Analysts the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Operations Research Analysts in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $108,120 | 4K |
| Utilities | $106,450 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $105,240 | 420 |
| Wholesale Trade | $104,070 | 3K |
| Information | $102,160 | 6K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Operations Research Analyst in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $89,930 |
| 2023 | $82,870 |
| 2024 | $96,920 |
| 2025 | $102,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,557 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $89,930 | $82,360 |
| 2023 | $82,870 | $86,013 |
| 2024 | $96,920 | $88,990 |
| 2025 | $102,100 | $89,241 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,557 | $94,011 |
Operations Research Analyst Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,030 |
Operations Research Analyst Salary in Other States
Related Operations Research Analyst Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Operations Research Analyst ($102,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Operations Research Analyst | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in CA | $218,290 | +113.8% | $104.95/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in CA | $185,180 | +81.4% | $89.03/hr |
| Data Analyst in CA | $180,500 | +76.8% | $86.78/hr |
| Software Developer in CA | $174,410 | +70.8% | $83.85/hr |
| Database Administrator in CA | $170,160 | +66.7% | $81.81/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in CA | $159,100 | +55.8% | $76.49/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in CA | $158,870 | +55.6% | $76.38/hr |
| Data Scientist in CA | $141,590 | +38.7% | $68.07/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in CA | $138,570 | +35.7% | $66.62/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in CA | $136,110 | +33.3% | $65.44/hr |
| Statistician in CA | $135,960 | +33.2% | $65.37/hr |
| Software Engineer in CA | $134,440 | +31.7% | $64.63/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do operations research analysts make in California?
- The median salary for operations research analysts in California is $102,100 per year, or $49 per hour. This is 14.4% higher than the national average, making California one of the most competitive markets for this role.
What is the salary range for operations research analysts in California?
- Operations research analysts in California earn between $65,510 and $168,030 annually, depending on experience and employer. This wide range reflects the diversity of opportunities across the state's industries.
How many operations research analysts are employed in California?
- There are approximately 10,620 operations research analysts currently employed in California. This represents a substantial job market for professionals in this field across the state.
Is the operations research analyst salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, California's median salary of $102,100 for operations research analysts is 14.4% higher than the national average. This premium reflects California's higher cost of living and strong demand for analytics professionals.