The following article discusses the career path of Operation Research Analyst. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Operation Research Analysts.
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Job Duties
Operations research analysts are responsible for analyzing and conducting research on operations as charged by their employer. They look at trends in operations and determine what this information means and points to, using that to develop better operational processes. After that, they share the information they have gathered and the conclusions they have drawn with the relevant managers. They have to have excellent analytical skills, therefore, as they must be able to collect data from a range of different sources and interpret it so as to improve research and operations.
Furthermore, they must also report on their findings. They must explain in an easy to understand language where deficiencies lie, and which solutions could be implemented in order to change current processes for the better. They are also responsible for finding ways across the organization where costs can be reduced, while always making sure that operations remain effective and efficient. They do this through quantitative analysis and statistical models, data validation, and data processing. They analyze huge sets of big data, handle process evaluations, and take part in a range of meetings to ensure that their organization remains competitive.
Other job duties of the Operations Research Analyst are:
- To develop and perform analysis plans and experiments
- To make predictions about performance and determine where different resources should be allocated
- To use trend analysis, data reduction, and simulation models
- To conduct analyses that help senior managers make the right decisions
- To write briefings and reports that showcase the analytical efforts and conclusions
Where We Work
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 114,000 operations research analysts in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:
- Finance and insurance 28%
- Professional, scientific, and technical services 22%
- Management of companies and enterprises 9%
- Manufacturing 9%
- Federal government 5%
How to Become
A bachelor’s degree in a related field is usually the minimum educational requirement and previous experience is also necessary. Some employers prefer to hire those with various industry certifications. It is most important that operations research analysts can demonstrate critical thinking skills and that they have good computer skills as well. They must be team players, while also working under minimum level of supervision.
Education Requirements
Those with a bachelor’s degree may be able to obtain an entry-level position through which they can then grow their career. However, it is becoming increasingly common for employers to look for those who have a master’s degree. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in operations research do exist but most analysts have completed training in quantitative or technical fields instead. These include mathematics, analytics, computer science, or engineering.
The focus of operations research is on quantitative analysis. Hence, operations research analysts must have excellent mathematical skills. Courses in linear algebra, calculus, and statistics are therefore important. Computer science courses also matter because software is required to model and analyze data. Additionally, courses such as political science, economics, and engineer can be beneficial due to the fact that the field is multidisciplinary.
Last but not least, an operations research analyst must be committed to continuing education. As technology, analytical methods, and software improve, they must keep their skills up to date.
Traits & Qualities
The most effective operations research analysts have the following traits to some degree or other:
– Superior analytical skills
– Excellent communication skills
– Strong critical thinking skills
– Great interpersonal skills
– Excellent mathematical skills
– To be great problem solvers
– Superior writing skills
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
The national average salary estimate for Operation Research Analyst was $65,235. This number is estimated from over 890,036 employees, users past and present job advertisements from Indeed.com. This equates to an hourly salary of $33.98 and monthly of $5,436.
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$14,000
$157,000
The following section lists Operation Research Analyst salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, US had the largest quoted salary of $65,235 while US had the smallest quoted salary of $65,235.
According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Operation Research Analyst. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.
| Employer Name | Location | Average Salary |
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Learn More
- Operations Research Analysts : Occupational Outlook …
- OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST – USAJOBS
- Operations Research Analyst – usajobs.gov
- Best Online Operations Management MBA Degree
- What Can I Do With an MBA in Operations?
- Operations Management Careers
| Career Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $66,611 |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $66,387 |
| Compensation Analyst | $66,326 |
| Tax Accountant | $65,728 |
| Cost Accountant | $65,282 |
| Research Analyst | $65,125 |
| Operations Manager | $64,810 |
| Financial Advisor | $64,188 |
| Market Researcher | $64,002 |
| Pricing Analyst | $63,937 |
