Manufacturing career directory
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.
Also called: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Optimization Analyst, Researcher, Analytics Consultant, Business Analyst, Business Operations Analyst, Business Process Analyst, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Decision Support Analyst, File System Installer, Forms Analyst, Liaison Planner, Material Liaison, Methods Analyst, Methods Consultant, Methods Specialist, Office System Analyst, Operations Analyst (Ops Analyst), Operations Specialist (Ops Specialist), Operations Support Specialist (Ops Support Specialist), Policy Advisor, Policy Officer, Procedure Analyst, Procedure Writer, Process Analyst, Research Analyst, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Scientist, Research Specialist, Research Technician (Research Tech), Risk Analyst, Sales Operations Analyst (Sales Ops Analyst), Standards Analyst, Systems Analyst, Systems Consultant, Technical Analyst
This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.
What the worker does
- 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.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
Skills, machines and equipment
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
- Operations Analysis
Education and training
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Master's Degree (42.86% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. 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).
O*NET Job Zone 5: 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. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships
Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.
Salary reference
68,360–125,990 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-2031.
Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.
Career advancement
- Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
- Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.
How Do I Get This Job?
- Review the skills and responsibilities above.
- Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Master's Degree (42.86% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. 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).
- O*NET Job Zone 5: 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. 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. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
- Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.
View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.
Related career information
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Sources and limitations
O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.