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Operations Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Guidehouse

Operations Research Analyst

San Antonio, TX

$88.90K - $105.10K/yr

Master's degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or related field. * EIGHT (8) or more years of experience in operations research and analytics. * Experience in simulation tools and ...

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How much do operations research jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research in the United States is $93,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Operations Research?

The qualifications to get a job in operations research typically include a bachelor’s degree and strong technical and mathematical skills. Data science, statistics, applied math, and engineering are all good subjects to study in college. It is also useful to have a working knowledge of the specific industry in which you work, such as logistics and delivery, healthcare, or business. More complex positions often require advanced degrees. In addition to these formal qualifications, programming experience with R or other statistical software and strong analytical skills are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, you need strong quantitative analysis, mathematical modeling, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a degree in mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or R), advanced Excel, and optimization software like CPLEX or Gurobi is often required. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities help translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. These skills ensure effective analysis, informed decision-making, and successful implementation of solutions in complex organizational environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Operations Research, and how can they be addressed?

Operations Research professionals often encounter challenges such as working with incomplete or imperfect data, translating complex mathematical models into actionable business solutions, and communicating technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. Successfully addressing these challenges involves collaborating closely with subject matter experts, utilizing robust data validation techniques, and developing strong communication skills to clearly convey results and recommendations. Additionally, staying updated on the latest optimization tools and methodologies can help streamline problem-solving processes.

What is operations research?

Operations research is a discipline that uses advanced analytical methods, such as mathematical modeling, statistics, and algorithms, to help organizations solve complex problems and make better decisions. Professionals in this field analyze data and systems to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Operations research is applied in various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, to support strategic planning and operational improvements.

What does an operations researcher do?

An operations researcher analyzes complex systems and processes to improve efficiency and decision-making using mathematical models, statistics, and optimization techniques. They often work with data analysis tools and develop algorithms to solve logistical, scheduling, or resource allocation problems in various industries.

What is the difference between Operations Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectOperations ResearchData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in operations research, industrial engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in statistics, mathematics, or data science
Work EnvironmentAnalytical teams, consulting firms, manufacturing, logisticsBusiness, finance, marketing, technology sectors
Employer & Industry UsageSupply chain, transportation, manufacturing, governmentRetail, finance, healthcare, tech companies
Common Search & ComparisonOperations Research vs Data Analyst

Operations Research and Data Analysts both analyze data to improve decision-making, but Operations Research focuses on complex optimization and modeling for large systems, while Data Analysts interpret data trends for business insights. Their roles often overlap but serve different strategic purposes in organizations.

More about Operations Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Operations Research jobs? Cities with the most Operations Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research jobs? The most popular types of Operations Research jobs are:
What states have the most Operations Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Operations Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Operations Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Research jobs are:
Operations Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,804 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Lowell, MA

$106.44K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 517 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

San Diego is no longer a location to select.
Reemployed annuitant: This vacancy does not meet the criteria for appointment of annuitants.
This is an open-continuous announcement with referral lists being issued to the hiring manager every 2 weeks until vacancy close. Qualifications:You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.
You must meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp.
Basic Education Requirement: A Bachelor's Degree or higher 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.
Specialized Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 or equivalent level. Specialized experience must be documented in your resume.Specialized experience is defined as: Executing full-lifecycle analytics and operations research to evaluate and enhance complex business and financial systems; OR Managing enterprise data assets, including metadata cataloging, data classification, and lifecycle management; OR Driving business process re-engineering, workflow automation, and the prototyping or evaluation of emerging AI capabilities; OR Guiding technical teams, advising on complex projects, and presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience: There is no substitution of education for experience at this grade level.Employment Type: OTHER

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