How much does an operations analyst make?

Analysts meet with a team to define a problem, gather and check data, then use computer models to compare possible plans. They test the model and explain their best recommendation in a report or presentation to managers.

Did you know? Surprise: The first operations-research team for the U.S. Navy was made up of only seven scientists.

In the U.S., a bachelor’s degree in operations research or a related field is the usual route; some employers prefer a master’s. People generally enter after college, and there is no single starting age.

School needed: Graduate degree or long training

Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized

Why does pay differ?

In the United States, experienced analysts, people with advanced education or in-demand skills, and those doing more complex or responsible work may earn more. Pay also varies by location and by industry or employer; a certification may help when an employer values it.