Best degree programs for Operations Research Analysts, ranked by enrollment
2 college programs and 375 schools train Operations Research Analysts. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $88,940 median wage, 108,510 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
2 college programs at 375 schools train operations research analysts, graduating 36,940 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Management Science. The job pays a median of $88,940 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About operations research analysts
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
2 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIP 52.1301 | 35,090 | 95.0% | 360 | $62,069 | $23,500 |
| 2 | Operations Researchmain feeder CIP 14.3701 | 1,850 | 5.0% | 33 | $92,531 | $15,000 |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 1,938 | Management Science | 92% | $26,873 | 10% |
| 2 | Northwestern University Evanston, IL Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 1,672 | Management Science | 95% | $14,799 | 8% |
| 3 | New York University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 1,636 | Management Science | 88% | $29,023 | 9% |
| 4 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 1,542 | Management Science | 68% | — | 90% |
| 5 | University of Chicago Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 1,296 | Management Science | 96% | $13,333 | 4% |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC Public · 1 feeder programs | 920 | Management Science | 91% | — | 15% |
| 7 | Emory University Atlanta, GA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 870 | Management Science | 91% | $20,586 | 11% |
| 8 | Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 870 | Management Science | — | — | — |
| 9 | University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 842 | Management Science | 93% | — | 11% |
| 10 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 692 | Management Science | 96% | $11,666 | 5% |
| 11 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 654 | Management Science | 93% | — | 9% |
| 12 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · 1 feeder programs | 610 | Management Science | 86% | — | 55% |
| 13 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 573 | Management Science | 84% | $33,246 | 63% |
| 14 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 546 | Management Science | 95% | $17,613 | 9% |
| 15 | Stanford University Stanford, CA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 534 | Management Science | 92% | $12,032 | 4% |
| 16 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 518 | Management Science | 0% | — | 67% |
| 17 | Brigham Young University Provo, UT Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 455 | Management Science | 81% | $13,712 | 68% |
| 18 | University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD Public · 1 feeder programs | 452 | Management Science | 89% | — | 45% |
| 19 | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 433 | Operations Research | 96% | $15,315 | 4% |
| 20 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 423 | Management Science | 94% | $11,888 | 6% |
| 21 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA Public · 1 feeder programs | 394 | Management Science | 69% | — | 73% |
| 22 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, PA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 365 | Management Science | 34% | $14,140 | 87% |
| 23 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · 1 feeder programs | 356 | Management Science | 84% | — | 58% |
| 24 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR Public · 1 feeder programs | 353 | Management Science | 55% | — | 82% |
| 25 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC Public · 2 feeder programs | 341 | Management Science | 85% | — | 42% |
| 26 | The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 304 | Management Science | 76% | — | 65% |
| 27 | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 300 | Management Science | 94% | $23,803 | 12% |
| 28 | University of California - Davis Davis, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 296 | Management Science | 86% | — | 42% |
| 29 | University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC Public · 1 feeder programs | 277 | Management Science | 71% | — | 64% |
| 30 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Atlanta, GA Public · 2 feeder programs | 269 | Management Science | 94% | — | 14% |
| 31 | Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 251 | Operations Research | — | — | — |
| 32 | Binghamton University Vestal, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 249 | Management Science | 82% | — | 39% |
| 33 | Lewis University Romeoville, IL Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 234 | Management Science | 67% | $17,632 | 71% |
| 34 | University of California - Irvine Irvine, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 216 | Management Science | 87% | — | 29% |
| 35 | University of Houston Houston, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 208 | Management Science | 65% | — | 74% |
| 36 | The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN Public · 1 feeder programs | 207 | Management Science | 74% | — | 42% |
| 37 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 204 | Management Science | 43% | $21,535 | 79% |
| 38 | New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 202 | Management Science | 59% | $22,158 | 81% |
| 39 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Public · 1 feeder programs | 201 | Management Science | 65% | — | 86% |
| 40 | Yale University New Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 191 | Management Science | 96% | $27,025 | 4% |
| 41 | DePaul University Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 190 | Management Science | 68% | $28,141 | 76% |
| 42 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OH Public · 1 feeder programs | 190 | Management Science | 75% | — | 85% |
| 43 | Georgetown University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 186 | Management Science | 95% | $22,242 | 13% |
| 44 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL Public · 1 feeder programs | 186 | Management Science | 91% | — | 24% |
| 45 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SC Public · 1 feeder programs | 185 | Management Science | 79% | — | 60% |
| 46 | Hofstra University Hempstead, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 181 | Management Science | 69% | $34,539 | 68% |
| 47 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR Public · 1 feeder programs | 179 | Management Science | 71% | — | 74% |
| 48 | University of Maine Orono, ME Public · 1 feeder programs | 173 | Management Science | 55% | — | 97% |
| 49 | University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 170 | Management Science | 95% | $19,452 | 11% |
| 50 | Boston University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 167 | Management Science | 89% | $21,956 | 11% |
What operations research analysts earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $102,100 | 10,620 | 0.84× | 29 | 5,721 |
| Illinois | $89,800 | 5,180 | 1.22× | 22 | 4,154 |
| New York | $108,610 | 5,890 | 0.87× | 21 | 3,749 |
| Arizona | $75,470 | 2,600 | 1.15× | 10 | 2,439 |
| Massachusetts | $96,500 | 4,200 | 1.66× | 17 | 2,401 |
| North Carolina | $97,290 | 2,520 | 0.73× | 11 | 2,006 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,640 | 3,220 | 0.76× | 23 | 1,615 |
| Georgia | $76,220 | 4,600 | 1.35× | 6 | 1,433 |
| Texas | $90,710 | 11,890 | 1.21× | 17 | 1,403 |
| Maryland | $97,410 | 4,710 | 2.44× | 8 | 1,134 |
| Virginia | $129,460 | 6,980 | 2.43× | 10 | 967 |
| Utah | $90,200 | 810 | 0.67× | 7 | 907 |
| New Jersey | — | 3,280 | 1.10× | 11 | 877 |
| Florida | $77,600 | 9,120 | 1.32× | 13 | 694 |
| Arkansas | $59,030 | 210 | 0.24× | 7 | 668 |
| Ohio | $103,620 | 2,600 | 0.67× | 15 | 575 |
| Connecticut | $96,700 | 950 | 0.80× | 7 | 490 |
| Louisianamoderate | $63,210 | 550 | 0.41× | 3 | 460 |
| District of Columbiamoderate | $96,030 | 2,250 | 4.59× | 4 | 455 |
| Michigan | $83,480 | 980 | 0.32× | 13 | 397 |
| Indiana | $85,280 | 1,380 | 0.62× | 8 | 367 |
| Alabama | $115,630 | 550 | 0.37× | 9 | 348 |
| Washington | $98,030 | 3,050 | 1.23× | 8 | 334 |
| Tennessee | $76,680 | 1,200 | 0.52× | 8 | 333 |
| Missouri | $62,380 | 1,190 | 0.58× | 9 | 322 |
| Colorado | $129,880 | 770 | 0.39× | 7 | 311 |
| Kentuckymoderate | $83,850 | 660 | 0.47× | 4 | 259 |
| Kansas | $92,050 | — | — | 8 | 257 |
| South Carolinalimited | $80,240 | 1,380 | 0.86× | 2 | 218 |
| New Hampshire | — | 290 | 0.60× | 5 | 179 |
| Mainelimited | $99,460 | 220 | 0.49× | 2 | 174 |
| Oklahoma | $61,520 | 1,840 | 1.55× | 8 | 174 |
| West Virginiamoderate | $64,100 | 200 | 0.42× | 4 | 141 |
| Minnesota | $95,550 | 1,240 | 0.60× | 6 | 132 |
| Rhode Island | $77,910 | 360 | 1.04× | 5 | 111 |
| Mississippilimited | $92,310 | 120 | 0.15× | 2 | 106 |
| Nebraskamoderate | $98,300 | 330 | 0.46× | 4 | 103 |
| Wisconsin | $71,820 | 4,270 | 2.08× | 7 | 89 |
| Oregonlimited | $102,170 | 2,710 | 1.97× | 1 | 86 |
| Iowamoderate | $80,580 | 300 | 0.27× | 3 | 65 |
| Idaholimited | $103,600 | 500 | 0.84× | 1 | 47 |
| Delawarelimited | $101,070 | 660 | 1.96× | 1 | 18 |
| Hawaiilimited | $100,600 | 120 | 0.28× | 1 | 18 |
| Montanalimited | $80,400 | 150 | 0.42× | 1 | 17 |
| North Dakotalimited | $82,460 | 130 | 0.44× | 1 | 13 |
| Alaskalimited | $88,750 | 70 | 0.30× | 1 | 9 |
| Nevadalimited | $86,500 | 370 | 0.34× | 1 | 5 |
| Vermontlimited | $89,790 | 170 | 0.78× | 1 | 2 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
Skills
- Mathematics4.5
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Active Listening4.0
- Critical Thinking4.0
- Writing4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Active Learning3.9
- Science3.3
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics4.7
- Computers and Electronics4.1
- Engineering and Technology4.0
- Production and Processing3.7
- English Language3.6
- Design3.1
Abilities
- Mathematical Reasoning4.5
- Deductive Reasoning4.1
- Inductive Reasoning4.1
- Oral Comprehension4.0
- Number Facility4.0
- Oral Expression4.0
Core activities
- Getting Information4.8
- Working with Computers4.7
- Analyzing Data or Information4.7
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.7
- Processing Information4.5
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.3
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Operations Research Analyst
Job zone 5 of 5 · SVP 8.0 and above- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 2 majors mapped to Operations Research Analysts2 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 14.3701Operations Research
- 52.1301Management Science
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become an Operations Research Analyst?+
Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Management Science, which awarded 35,090 degrees in 2024-25, 95.0% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming an Operations Research Analyst?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 2 programs to this occupation. The largest are Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Operations Research. Together they graduate about 36,940 people a year.
How much do operations research analysts earn?+
The median is $88,940 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $159,910 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for operations research analysts growing?+
BLS projects a +21.5% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, much faster than average, with roughly 9,600 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
375 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 2 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do operations research analysts work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Researcher, Analytical Strategist, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist) among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 15-2031.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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