📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release
Operations Research Analysts Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · Medium Demand
Average
$104,860
per year
Median
$96,710
per year
Hourly
$50.41
per hour
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$62,103
25th Percentile — Junior$83,955
50th Percentile — Median$96,710
75th Percentile — Senior$133,122
90th Percentile — Top Earners$152,628
💡 The top 10% of Operations Research Analystss earn $152,628 or more per year. Entry-level professionals can expect to start around $62,103, with significant growth over the first 5 years.
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$80.2k
2021
$84.6k
2022
$89.3k
2023
$94.2k
2024
$99.4k
2025
$104.9k
2026
📈 Operations Research Analysts salaries have grown 5.5% year-over-year. Since 2020, the average salary has increased by approximately $24,628.
Salary by State
Geographic salary comparison
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $162,533 | +55.0% | Medium |
| District of Columbia | $159,387 | +52.0% | Medium |
| California | $148,901 | +42.0% | Medium |
| New York | $144,707 | +38.0% | Medium |
| Alaska | $138,415 | +32.0% | Medium |
| Massachusetts | $136,318 | +30.0% | Medium |
| New Jersey | $134,221 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Washington | $131,075 | +25.0% | Medium |
| Connecticut | $127,929 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Maryland | $120,589 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Rhode Island | $120,589 | +15.0% | Medium |
| New Hampshire | $119,540 | +14.0% | Medium |
| Oregon | $117,443 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Colorado | $115,346 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Virginia | $115,346 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Vermont | $113,249 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Delaware | $110,103 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Illinois | $110,103 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Maine | $106,957 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Nevada | $106,957 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Minnesota | $104,860 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Utah | $104,860 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Arizona | $103,811 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Pennsylvania | $103,811 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Florida | $102,763 | -2.0% | Medium |
| Montana | $99,617 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Texas | $99,617 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Georgia | $97,520 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Idaho | $97,520 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Wyoming | $97,520 | -7.0% | Medium |
| North Dakota | $96,471 | -8.0% | Medium |
| Wisconsin | $96,471 | -8.0% | Medium |
| North Carolina | $95,423 | -9.0% | Medium |
| Michigan | $94,374 | -10.0% | Medium |
| Louisiana | $92,277 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Nebraska | $92,277 | -12.0% | Medium |
| New Mexico | $92,277 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Ohio | $92,277 | -12.0% | Medium |
| South Carolina | $92,277 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Tennessee | $92,277 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Alabama | $91,228 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Missouri | $91,228 | -13.0% | Medium |
| South Dakota | $91,228 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Iowa | $90,180 | -14.0% | Medium |
| Indiana | $89,131 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Kansas | $89,131 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Oklahoma | $88,082 | -16.0% | Medium |
| Arkansas | $87,034 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Kentucky | $87,034 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Mississippi | $83,888 | -20.0% | Medium |
| West Virginia | $81,791 | -22.0% | Medium |
What Factors Affect Operations Research Analysts Salary?
Key factors affecting compensation
A Operations Research Analysts'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 Analystss typically earn $62,103–$83,955 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $133,122–$152,628 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 Analysts role currently has medium demand in the job market with a 5.5% growth rate, making it one of the most growing careers in the Technology sector.
🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
-
What is the average salary for a Operations Research Analysts?The average salary for a Operations Research Analysts in the United States is $104,860 per year, with a median of $96,710.
-
What is the starting salary for a Operations Research Analysts?Entry-level Operations Research Analystss typically earn between $62,103 and $83,955 per year depending on location and employer.
-
What state pays Operations Research Analystss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Operations Research Analystss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
-
How much does a Operations Research Analysts make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $104,860, a Operations Research Analysts earns approximately $50.41 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
-
Is Operations Research Analysts a good career in 2026?Yes — the Operations Research Analysts role has medium demand with 5.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.
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