Where AI can help
AI can help explore code, document models and suggest initial analyses.
Technology · A PICTURE OF THE OCCUPATION
Operations Research Analysts
Use data and models to compare decisions. They translate real constraints into analysis that helps organizations allocate resources.
Observed AI exposureNot measured in this editionAnthropic · March 2026 study
Employment projection+11.9%2025–2035
Education typically neededBachelor’s degreeBLS · 2025
What the work looks like
- 01
Define a question and the constraints of a problem
- 02
Collect and prepare data for analysis
- 03
Build statistical or optimization models
- 04
Test scenarios and interpret uncertainty
- 05
Explain a recommendation to decision makers
An example of an output
A scenario analysis with assumptions, limits, recommendation and a way to monitor results.
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.Work environment
Consultancies, logistics, finance, healthcare and planning teams. A model is useful only when its assumptions fit the operation.
O*NET® 31.0 ↗Pay & demand
Mean annual pay$99,730
Median annual pay$88,940
Mean is the arithmetic average; median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. National occupational figures are not starting-salary promises.
10th percentile$57,060
90th percentile$159,910
Percentiles describe the workforce distribution, not junior and senior salary bands. Excludes self-employed workers; see the source for coverage.
BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗People employed in 2025113,100
Projected openings per year7,500
Includes replacement needs over 2025–2035. These are projections, not open job advertisements.
BLS · 2025–2035 ↗AI & your work
What still needs judgment
Choosing variables, recognizing bias and explaining what a model misses are central responsibilities.
The task discussion is editorial interpretation. Only the exposure percentage is reproduced from the study; we do not assign percentages to individual tasks.
Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗You can also develop within this occupation
Use the exercise below to practice a real task, check AI outputs and identify where you need more depth. A career change is one option, not a requirement.
Model a scheduling problem with synthetic data, compare two solutions and write which assumptions would change the result.
What entry usually requires
- Education typically needed
- Bachelor’s degree
- Related experience typically needed
- None specified in BLS classification
- Typical on-the-job training
- None specified in BLS classification
Typical requirements in BLS data, not universal hiring rules. Verify the employer’s requirements and any applicable credential or license.
BLS · 2025 ↗Skills to build on
Quantitative reasoningmodelingsensitivity analysiscommunication
Tools you may encounter
Spreadsheets · Python or R · SQL · optimization models
Editorial example, not a reported worker interview. Tools vary by employer.
Where you could go next
These are researched starting points, not personalized recommendations or promises of lower AI exposure. Check the destination’s requirements and your own circumstances.
EDITORIAL TRANSITION$89,730 Mean annual pay
Logisticians ↗
Allocation models can be applied to inventory, routes and physical constraints.
- What you can carry over
- Analysis, scenarios and optimization
- What you would need to learn
- Suppliers, transport and operational execution
What to consider
A mathematical solution still has to survive delays, real capacity and commercial relationships.
Explore the work before committing
1
Try a practical task
Model a scheduling problem with synthetic data, compare two solutions and write which assumptions would change the result.
2
Read real job requirements
Use the official occupation title below to search current listings. Check duties, location, experience and compensation. External search results have not been verified as active by this directory.
Operations Research AnalystsSearch external job listings ↗3
Check your assumptions with someone doing the work
Ask which tasks take the most time, how AI changed the routine and what evidence of skill helped them enter. Compare their experience with the published data.
My Next Move ↗Sources & data notes
O*NET® 31.0 · 15-2031.00 ↗BLS · May 2025 · USD/year ↗BLS · 2025–2035 ↗Anthropic · March 2026 study ↗Source & definition ↗
Occupational descriptions adapt the O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. Is my job toast? translated, shortened and supplemented the material. USDOL/ETA has not approved or endorsed these changes. CC BY 4.0 ↗