As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operations Research Analyst I in the United States is $69,016 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Operations Research Analyst I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Operations Research Analyst I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Operations Research Analyst I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Research Analyst I | 0-2 years | $69,016 |
| Operations Research Analyst II | 2-4 years | $85,477 |
| Operations Research Analyst III | 4-7 years | $98,467 |
| Operations Research Analyst IV | 7+ years | $113,101 |
| Operations Research Analyst V | 7-10 years | $132,510 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Operations Research Analyst Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.24% |
| PowerPoint | 1.93% |
| Microsoft Excel | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$75,227 |
9%
|
|
SQL
|
$73,847 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$73,847 |
7%
|
|
Time Management
|
$73,847 |
7%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$73,847 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$73,157 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operations Research Analyst Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Operations Research Analyst I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,993 and $69,515).
Operations Research Analyst I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 6.1% |
| Associates | 4.7% |
| Bachelors | 60.7% |
| Masters | 25.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.9% |
Understanding how an Operations Research Analyst I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026For an Operations Research Analyst I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Operations Research Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $85,477 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for an Operations Research Analyst I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,818 in 2023 to around $68,756 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operations Research Analyst I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $68,818 |
| 2024 | $69,088 |
| 2025 | $68,756 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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An Operations Research Analyst I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Operations Research Analyst I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Operations Research Analyst I is $87,050.
The highest pay for Operations Research Analyst I is $83,350.
The lowest pay for Operations Research Analyst I is $58,891.
Collects and analyzes data to evaluate operations and processes and to facilitate complex decision-making. Follows established modeling and evaluation methodologies to determine the effectiveness of current operational activities, isolate problem areas and develop solutions. Tests and validates models and results. Prepares reports that outline and rank proposed solutions and present a range of possible alternatives. Requires a bachelor's degree of mathematics or related field. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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