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Operations Research Analyst Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Operations Research Analyst (ORSA)

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $131K/yr

Agency-wide strategic planning, strategy management and implementation, performance management and measurement analysis, operations research analysis, policy integration, and organizational ...

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Operations Research Analyst information

See Washington salary details

$49.3K

$116K

$154K

How much do operations research analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research analyst in Washington is $116,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,600.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operations research analyst?

An operations research analyst works with a company to analyze relevant data to improve business operations. Their primary duties involve setting goals, identifying potential problems, gathering pertinent information, and then using a variety of analytical methods to come up with solutions. The job requires strong analytical skills as well as the ability to think critically. Additional qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in operations research or management science, although many employers prefer a master’s degree. Those interested in a career as an operations research analyst must have research experience in an office setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations research analyst?

To thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, you need strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a degree in operations research, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with statistical analysis software, optimization tools like CPLEX or Gurobi, and programming languages such as Python or R is commonly required. Effective communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help translate complex data into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for delivering data-driven solutions that improve organizational efficiency and decision-making.

What are some common challenges operations research analysts face when translating analytical findings into actionable business strategies?

Operations Research Analysts often encounter challenges in communicating complex quantitative findings to stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds. Bridging the gap between advanced mathematical models and practical business decisions requires strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the organization's objectives. Additionally, analysts may face resistance to change when proposing new, data-driven strategies, so being able to justify recommendations with clear, accessible insights is crucial. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams helps ensure solutions are both technically sound and aligned with operational realities.

What is the difference between Operations Research Analyst vs Data Analyst?

AspectOperations Research AnalystData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in operations research, mathematics, or related field; often certifications in analytics or optimizationBachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or related field; certifications in data analysis or visualization
Work EnvironmentCorporate, government, or consulting firms focusing on optimization and decision-makingBusiness, marketing, finance, or healthcare sectors analyzing data trends
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking to improve operational efficiency and decision processesCompanies aiming to interpret data for strategic insights and reporting

Operations Research Analysts focus on optimizing complex systems and decision-making processes using mathematical models, while Data Analysts interpret data to identify trends and support business decisions. Both roles require analytical skills and often similar educational backgrounds, but their core functions differ in scope and application.

How much do operations research analysts make?

Operations research analysts in New York City typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $100,000, depending on experience and industry. Salaries can vary based on factors such as education, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled. The role often requires strong analytical skills and proficiency with tools like optimization software and statistical analysis programs.

What are popular job titles related to Operations Research Analyst jobs in Washington?

For Operations Research Analyst jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operations Research Analyst jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Operations Research Analyst jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Operations Research Analyst jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Operations Research Analyst job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Operations Research Analyst jobs in WA?

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Infographic showing various Operations Research Analyst job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,048 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Arlington, VA • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST in the FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND COMPTROLLER (FM&C) of ASN.Qualifications:GS-13: In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience with preparing Independent Cost Estimates (ICE), and Independent Cost Assessments ICA) for acquisition programs that are large, complex and contain significant cost risk.
  • Experience with collecting and analyzing historical and programmatic data.
  • Experience performing risk, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis to support acquisition decisions and budgeting.

GS-14: In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience planning and the organization and performance of a team in data collection, normalization, development of cost models and cost estimating.
  • Experience utilizing data analytics to transform information into actionable insights that drive and understand trends.
  • Experience leading teams or providing significant contributions to the successful development of cost estimates to support milestone decisions.
  • Experience performing risk, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis to support acquisition decisions and budgeting.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
This a Defense Acquisition Workforce position that requires a Business Cost Estimating, Practitioner acquisition certification. The incumbent has 60 months to earn this certification. Incumbent must obtain and maintain certification in accordance with DoD Instruction 5000.66.
Acquisition Workforce (AWF) members must complete 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two (2) years, in accordance with DoDI 5000.66. Workforce members are encouraged to earn their CLPs by completing Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Credentials. Obtaining certification within the allotted grace period and maintaining CLPs before and after achieving certification are conditions of employment. Failure to meet these requirements could result in disciplinary action and/or removal from employment.
Education:Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
Applicants must possess a degree in operations research
OR
at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
Employment Type: OTHER

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