Operations Research Analyst Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $155,589 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $152,578 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $142,540 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $138,524 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $132,502 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $130,494 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $128,486 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $125,475 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $122,464 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $115,437 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $115,437 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $114,433 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $112,426 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $110,418 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $110,418 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $108,410 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $105,399 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $105,399 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $102,388 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $102,388 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $100,380 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $100,380 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $99,376 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $99,376 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $98,372 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $95,361 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $95,361 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $93,353 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $93,353 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $93,353 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $92,350 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $92,350 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $91,346 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $90,342 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $88,334 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $88,334 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $88,334 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $88,334 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $88,334 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $88,334 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $87,331 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $87,331 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $87,331 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $86,327 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $85,323 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $85,323 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $84,319 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $83,315 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $83,315 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $80,304 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $78,296 | -22.0% | High |
A Operations Research Analyst's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Operations Research Analysts typically earn $59,053–$80,705 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $129,422–$148,948 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Operations Research Analyst role currently has high demand in the job market with a 4.8% growth rate, making it one of the most growing careers in the Technology sector.
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What is the average salary for a Operations Research Analyst?The average salary for a Operations Research Analyst in the United States is $100,380 per year, with a median of $91,280.
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What is the starting salary for a Operations Research Analyst?Entry-level Operations Research Analysts typically earn between $59,053 and $80,705 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Operations Research Analysts the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Operations Research Analysts the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Operations Research Analyst make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $100,380, a Operations Research Analyst earns approximately $48.26 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Operations Research Analyst a good career in 2026?Yes — the Operations Research Analyst role has high demand with 4.8% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.