Operations Research Analysts
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$91,290
~$44/hr · ~$7,608/mo
US Jobs
112K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
9/10
Very High
AI & Automation Risk
Very High 9/10
This occupation is almost entirely digital, involving data collection, mathematical modeling, and report writing—all areas where AI and Large Language Models excel. While analysts still provide high-level human judgment and stakeholder persuasion, AI can now automate the core technical tasks of coding analytical tools, mining data, and generating optimization simulations, significantly increasing individual productivity and restructuring the role.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria, ILBEST VALUE | $134,500 | Below avg (88.8) | $151,406 |
| Huntsville, AL | $132,620 | Below avg (93.8) | $141,372 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $133,720 | Average (98.1) | $136,292 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $135,390 | Average (102.7) | $131,804 |
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | $127,030 | Average (100.8) | $126,081 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $115,950 | Below avg (92.4) | $125,518 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $112,670 | Below avg (89.9) | $125,331 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $121,700 | Average (97.8) | $124,383 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $107,430 | Below avg (90.5) | $118,663 |
| Columbus, OH | $109,440 | Below avg (94.6) | $115,650 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $113,730 | Average (98.4) | $115,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $124,090 | Above avg (109.5) | $113,280 |
| Rockford, IL | $101,440 | Below avg (90.2) | $112,504 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $109,860 | Average (97.7) | $112,421 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $105,840 | Below avg (94.2) | $112,328 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+21% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$44/hr
Monthly Income
~$7,608/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)