Operations Research Analyst Salary in Iowa
Based on 300+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$80,580
$38.74/hr
vs National Average
$89,241
-9.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $141K
300 employed in Iowa
The median operations research analyst salary in Iowa is $80,580 per year, reflecting a solid career path in the state's professional sector. With approximately 300 workers employed in this role, Iowa offers meaningful opportunities for those skilled in data analysis and optimization. However, this median falls about 10% below the national average, which is an important consideration for professionals evaluating compensation packages.
Several factors influence operations research analyst salary in Iowa, including experience level, industry sector, and educational credentials. The salary range spans from $47,520 to $140,960 annually, demonstrating significant earning potential as analysts advance in their careers. Geographic location within Iowa, employer size, and specialization in high-demand areas like manufacturing or logistics can also meaningfully impact individual compensation outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Operations Research Analyst in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,520 |
| 25th percentile | $61,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,580 |
| 75th percentile | $125,880 |
| 90th percentile | $140,960 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,740 |
| 2023 | $82,020 |
| 2024 | $78,140 |
| 2025 | $80,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,096 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,740 | $82,360 |
| 2023 | $82,020 | $86,013 |
| 2024 | $78,140 | $88,990 |
| 2025 | $80,580 | $89,241 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,096 | $92,028 |
Operations Research Analyst Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,590 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $140,960 |
Operations Research Analyst Salary in Other States
Related Operations Research Analyst Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Operations Research Analyst ($80,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Operations Research Analyst | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IA | $143,780 | +78.4% | $69.13/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in IA | $125,120 | +55.3% | $60.15/hr |
| Database Administrator in IA | $124,040 | +53.9% | $59.63/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in IA | $119,710 | +48.6% | $57.55/hr |
| Software Developer in IA | $114,890 | +42.6% | $55.24/hr |
| Software Engineer in IA | $107,340 | +33.2% | $51.61/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in IA | $103,050 | +27.9% | $49.54/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IA | $95,920 | +19.0% | $46.12/hr |
| Data Scientist in IA | $95,830 | +18.9% | $46.07/hr |
| Network Administrator in IA | $84,500 | +4.9% | $40.63/hr |
| Statistician in IA | $80,150 | -0.5% | $38.53/hr |
| Computer Programmer in IA | $79,180 | -1.7% | $38.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Operations Research Analysts make in Iowa?
- The median salary for Operations Research Analysts in Iowa is $80,580 per year, or $39 per hour. This is approximately 9.7% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for Operations Research Analysts in Iowa?
- Operations Research Analysts in Iowa earn between $47,520 and $140,960 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in job level and specialization within the field.
How many Operations Research Analysts work in Iowa?
- There are approximately 300 Operations Research Analysts currently employed in Iowa, representing a relatively specialized workforce in the state.
Is the Operations Research Analyst salary in Iowa competitive compared to the US average?
- Iowa's median salary of $80,580 for Operations Research Analysts is 9.7% lower than the national average. However, this may still represent competitive compensation depending on the cost of living and local market conditions.