Operations Research Analysts
SOC Code: 15-2031 Job Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Operations Research Analysts. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $99,653 | $122,221 | $144,789 | $167,357 |
| Bellingham, WA | $68,078 | $99,694 | $131,310 | $162,926 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $89,149 | $111,134 | $133,120 | $155,106 |
| Huntsville, AL | $87,194 | $108,597 | $130,021 | $151,424 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $73,570 | $99,403 | $125,237 | $151,070 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $87,256 | $108,368 | $129,459 | $150,571 |
| Decatur, AL | $87,277 | $108,326 | $129,397 | $150,446 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $72,322 | $98,301 | $124,280 | $150,259 |
| Peoria, IL | $79,602 | $103,043 | $126,464 | $149,906 |
| Salisbury, MD | $79,477 | $102,835 | $126,214 | $149,573 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Services LLC | 2,688 | $207,808 |
| Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 1,485 | $174,979 |
| DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP | 987 | $111,510 |
| PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS ADVISORY SERVICES LLC | 655 | $167,368 |
| AMAZON WEB SERVICES, INC. | 614 | $141,667 |
| Tiger Analytics, Inc. | 512 | $806,250 |
| KFORCE INC. | 388 | $94,493 |
| ZS Associates, Inc. | 365 | $173,879 |
| BANK OF AMERICA N.A. | 363 | $858,956 |
| INTUIT INC. | 333 | $150,009 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,351 | $111,493 |
| 2021 | 1,925 | $117,747 |
| 2022 | 1,647 | $131,084 |
| 2023 | 3,982 | $240,389 |
| 2024 | 8,388 | $132,087 |
| 2025 | 7,721 | $401,658 |
| 2026 | 839 | $276,013 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.5 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.1 | |
| Speaking | 4.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 | |
| Writing | 4.0 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Active Listening | 4.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.9 | |
| Active Learning | 3.9 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.9 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.7 |
| Computers and Electronics | 4.1 |
| Engineering and Technology | 4.0 |
| Production and Processing | 3.7 |
| English Language | 3.6 |
| Design | 3.1 |
| Education and Training | 3.0 |
| Administration and Management | 2.8 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 42.9% |
| Bachelor's degree | 33.3% |
| Post-first professional | 14.3% |
| Master's degree | 9.5% |
Typical Tasks
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Amazon Redshift Apache Hadoop Apache Hive Apple macOS Bash C C++ ESRI ArcGIS software Extensible markup language XML GitHub Google Docs IBM SPSS Statistics Linux Marketo Marketing Automation Microsoft Access
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