USA Career Guide : Operations and Research Analysts

Education and Training Requirements of Operations Research Analysts

To work as operations research analyst in United States requires minimum master’s degree in Operations Research. College graduates are also considered in entry level jobs. The study operations research is itself a challenging. High aptitude in mathematics, physics, logic, computers, calculus etc is necessary to complete coursework in operations research. Many operations research analyst join industry from other core areas like a degree in computer engineering, space sciences, applied physics, mathematics, economics etc.   High level competencies in computer programs, business skills, and keeping pace with latest technologies and trends are minimum requirements to be a successful operations research professional.

Industrial Overview

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics operations research analysts held about 64,600 jobs in 2010. The industries employing the largest numbers of analysts in 2010 were as follows:

• Professional, scientific, and technical services - 23%
• Finance and insurance - 21%
• Government - 17%
• Manufacturing - 8%
• Information - 8%

Job Prospects of Operations Research Analysts

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts for 15% job growth for operations research analysts from year 2010 to 2020. Mainly these professionals work with very vast level environment filtering company’s data and other information for analytics, simulations, modeling and thereby to develop reports and models for extracting maximum output from a project. Also minimizing losses and predicting future gains and loss because of actions or decisions of a group or management is job of operations research professionals. The high job growth in USA for operations research professionals certainly owes to factors like globalization, newer technologies coming everyday, computerization and use of IT services in every field of life, engineering, public health, education, media, transportation and any other services which we can name. Also existing work force will keep retiring from present job while IT and computer software will be growing there by leaving enough void for new entrants.

Pay of a Operations Research Analysts in the US

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage of operations research analysts was $70,960 in May 2010. The top 10 percent earned more than $122,750. Operations Research Analysts works in perfect office setup and hold high regards in industry. Also they may require travel with managers and CEOs for presenting business plans and related operations.