As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operations Research Analyst III in the United States is $98,469 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, an Operations Research Analyst III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Operations Research Analyst III'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 III'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 | $69,014 |
| Operations Research Analyst II | 2-4 years | $85,484 |
| Operations Research Analyst III | 4-7 years | $98,469 |
| Operations Research Analyst IV | 7+ years | $113,109 |
| Operations Research Analyst V | 7-10 years | $132,503 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.09% |
| Accounting | 1.92% |
| Microsoft Excel | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Insight
|
$102,408 |
4%
|
|
Logistics
|
$101,423 |
3%
|
|
Project Management
|
$101,423 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$101,423 |
3%
|
|
Program Management
|
$100,438 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$100,438 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operations Research Analyst IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $90,215 and $96,658).
Operations Research Analyst III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.2% |
| High School | 5.2% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 28.4% |
| Masters | 50.5% |
| Doctorate | 11.9% |
Understanding how an Operations Research Analyst III'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 May 01, 2026For an Operations Research Analyst III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Operations Research Analyst IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $113,109 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Salaries for an Operations Research Analyst III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,821 in 2023 to around $100,530 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operations Research Analyst III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,821 |
| 2024 | $101,357 |
| 2025 | $100,530 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Operations Research Analyst III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Operations Research Analyst III is $124,199.
The highest pay for Operations Research Analyst III is $113,821.
The lowest pay for Operations Research Analyst III is $79,647.
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 or manager. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 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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