As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operational Research Analyst in the United States is $70,244 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, an Operational Research Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Operational Research Analyst'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 Operational Research Analyst'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Operation... Level Operational Research Analyst | $70,649 |
| Operation... Level Operational Research Analyst | $87,542 |
| Operation... Level Operational Research Analyst | $100,821 |
| Operation... Level Operational Research Analyst | $115,828 |
| Operation... Level Operational Research Analyst | $135,635 |
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 Operational Research Analysts. 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
|
$76,566 |
9%
|
|
SQL
|
$75,161 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$75,161 |
7%
|
|
Time Management
|
$75,161 |
7%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$75,161 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$74,459 |
6%
|
For Operational Research Analyst roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Operational Research Analyst positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Operational Research Analyst as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $98,342 | $47.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $94,830 | $46.0 | 35% |
| Business Services | $91,317 | $44.0 | 30% |
| Chemicals | $87,805 | $42.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $84,293 | $41.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operational Research Analysts 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 Operational Research Analyst with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,993 and $69,515).
Operational Research Analyst 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 Operational Research Analyst'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Operational Research Analyst can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,455 in 2023 to around $70,393 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operational Research Analyst salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,455 |
| 2024 | $70,733 |
| 2025 | $70,393 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Operational Research Analyst roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.)
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