Operations Research Analyst Salaries & Wage Percentiles
Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025 · Methodology
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information for executive decisions.
National Wage Percentile Spectrum
Empirical distribution from entry-level apprentice (10th percentile) to senior principal / master tier (90th percentile).
Nationwide State Salary Rankings
State-by-state empirical labor compensation benchmarked against local cost of living and purchasing power.
| Rank | State | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | CoL Adjusted Real Wage | Total Employed | Top Metro in State | CoL Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Colorado CO | $134,200 | $64.52/hr | $106,847 | 660 | Colorado Springs, CO | 125.6 |
| #2 | District of Columbia DC | $127,600 | $61.35/hr | $80,302 | 8,080 | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 158.9 |
| #3 | Virginia VA | $104,985 | $50.48/hr | $86,621 | 1,580 | Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 121.2 |
| #4 | Maine ME | $102,860 | $49.45/hr | $78,819 | 100 | Portland-South Portland, ME | 130.5 |
| #5 | Hawaii HI | $100,600 | $48.37/hr | $62,523 | 110 | Urban Honolulu, HI | 160.9 |
| #6 | Alabama AL | $100,116 | $48.13/hr | $94,717 | 480 | Huntsville, AL | 105.7 |
| #7 | California CA | $98,489 | $47.35/hr | $63,378 | 9,550 | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 155.4 |
| #8 | Ohio OH | $97,301 | $46.78/hr | $102,964 | 1,930 | Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | 94.5 |
Top Metropolitan Areas for Maximum Earnings
High-yield metros commanding premier compensation, rent affordability, and living wage coverage.
Career Ladder & Progression Stages
Typical milestones from entry level to senior roles.
Mathematical optimization, linear programming, Python/R, SQL data mining
Stochastic modeling, supply chain simulation, network optimization
Enterprise predictive analytics, algorithmic decision systems, heuristics
Executive analytical strategy, operational resource allocation
Skill-Adjacent Career Opportunities
Direct lateral transitions capitalizing on shared occupational competencies and BLS wage differentials.
Operations Research Analyst: Career Ladder, Industry Hub & Regional Parity
Navigate parent industry benchmarks, lateral career progressions, and cross-pillar living cost calculators.
Data Analytics Directory
Compare wage percentiles, required certifications, and senior salary caps across all Data Analytics occupations.
Living Cost & Tax Parity
Occupational Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions
Explore national wage percentiles (10th to 90th), top-paying metropolitan areas, and career ladder progression for Operations Research Analyst. Official 2026 economic data for Operations Research Analyst compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.
Quick answers
National compensation benchmarks for Operations Research Analyst range across the 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentiles based on BLS OEWS labor market statistics.
Operations Research Analyst: Where the Pay Is Highest
The national median for Operations Research Analyst is $88,940 per year ($42.76/hour). BLS OEWS publishes this occupation in 184 metropolitan areas, where median pay ranges from $59,470 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA to $140,590 in Colorado Springs, CO.
Top-paying metropolitan areas for Operations Research Analyst
| Metropolitan area | Median annual wage | Vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | $140,590 | +58.1% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $135,300 | +52.1% |
| Huntsville, AL | $132,000 | +48.4% |
| Peoria, IL | $129,300 | +45.4% |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $127,810 | +43.7% |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $127,600 | +43.5% |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $123,360 | +38.7% |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $122,570 | +37.8% |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $119,020 | +33.8% |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $118,810 | +33.6% |
| York-Hanover, PA | $117,740 | +32.4% |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $115,920 | +30.3% |