Occupation Summary

Operations Research Analysts

O*NET 15-2031.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$105,243.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 42.76%.
Education Level:
Master's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)

  1. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
  2. Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
  3. Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
  4. Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
  5. Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
  6. Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
  7. Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
  8. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
  9. Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
  10. Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
  11. Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
  12. Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
  13. Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
  14. Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
  15. Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
  16. Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Operations Research Analysts employed Annual Growth Rate
Insurance carriers 10.9 2.60
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services 7.7 3.51
Computer systems design and related services 7.7 3.33
Scientific research and development services 3.3 1.89
Nondepository credit intermediation 3.1 2.00
Colleges, universities, and professional schools 2.1 2.07
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 2 1.76
Employment services 2 3.05


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $50.60
2022 National average hourly wage $46.07
2020 National employment 104,100
2020 Texas employment 8,347
Texas projected employment by 2030 11,916
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 1,016




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
94.00%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
77.80%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
74.00%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
67.40%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
62.00%
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
57.00%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
55.00%
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
53.00%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
50.60%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
48.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
90.00%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
82.40%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
82.40%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
80.00%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
80.00%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
80.00%
Systems Evaluation
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
80.00%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
80.00%
Systems Analysis
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
77.60%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
77.60%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
95.00%
Number Facility
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
85.00%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
85.00%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
85.00%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
82.40%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
82.40%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
80.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
80.00%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
77.60%
Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
75.00%


  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information
    -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Processing Information
    -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Independence
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.



Tools

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Mainframe computers: Mainframe computers;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Personal computers: Personal computers;


Technology

Access software: Citrix cloud computing software;

Accounting software: Fund accounting software;

Analytical or scientific software: General algebraic modeling system GAMS; Hyperion Solutions Hyperion Intelligence; IBM SPSS Statistics; ILOG OPL-CPLEX Development System; Imagine That Extend OR; Insightful S-PLUS; Claritas PRIZM NE; A mathematical programming language AMPL; LINDO Systems LINGO; MathWorks Simulink; Mesquite Software CSIM; Minitab; Mixed integer optimizer MINTO; Rockwell Automation Arena; SAS; Stanford Business Software MINOS; Stanford Business Software SNOPT; StataCorp Stata; Telelogic System Architect; The MathWorks MATLAB; Wolfram Research Mathematica;

Application server software: GitHub;

Backup or archival software: Veritas NetBackup;

Business intelligence and data analysis software: Tableau; Qlik Tech QlikView; Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition; IBM Cognos Impromptu; MicroStrategy;

Cloud-based data access and sharing software: Microsoft SharePoint; Google Drive;

Cloud-based management software: Splunk Enterprise;

Communications server software: IBM Domino;

Computer aided design CAD software: Dassault Systemes CATIA; Mathsoft Mathcad;

Customer relationship management CRM software: Oracle Eloqua; Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge; Salesforce software;

Data base management system software: Teradata Database; Apache Hadoop; Apache Hive; Apache Pig;

Data base reporting software: Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS; Strategic Reporting Systems ReportSmith; SAP Crystal Reports;

Data base user interface and query software: Structured query language SQL; Microsoft SQL Server; MySQL; Microsoft Access; Amazon Redshift; Data entry software; Database software; FileMaker Pro;

Desktop communications software: Eko;

Development environment software: C; National Instruments LabVIEW; Microsoft Visual Basic; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Exchange; IBM Notes;

Enterprise application integration software: Extensible markup language XML;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; Oracle PeopleSoft; SAP software; SAP Business Objects;

Enterprise system management software: IBM Power Systems software;

Financial analysis software: Business Forecast Systems Forecast Pro; Oracle E-Business Suite Financials;

Geographic information system: ESRI ArcExplorer; ESRI ArcGIS software; Geographic information system GIS software;

Human resources software: Human resource management software HRMS; Oracle Taleo;

Information retrieval or search software: LexisNexis;

Map creation software: Microsoft MapPoint;

Network monitoring software: Wireshark;

Object or component oriented development software: Sun Microsystems Java; Swift; Perl; R; Python; SAP PowerBuilder; Scala; Jupyter Notebook; C++;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Linux; Oracle Solaris; Cisco IOS; Apple macOS; Bash; Hewlett Packard HP-UX; Job control language JCL; Shell script; UNIX; UNIX Shell;

Presentation software: Google Slides; Microsoft PowerPoint;

Process mapping and design software: Microsoft Visio; ProModel;

Project management software: Microsoft Project;

Risk management data and analysis software: iGrafx;

Sales and marketing software: Marketo Marketing Automation;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Transaction security and virus protection software: McAfee;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word; Google Docs;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Operations Research Analysts include:
  • 15-2051.01 Business Intelligence Analysts
  • 15-1221.00 Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • 15-1211.00 Computer Systems Analysts
  • 15-1299.08 Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
  • 15-2051.00 Data Scientists
  • 15-1243.00 Database Architects
  • 13-1111.00 Management Analysts
  • 15-2021.00 Mathematicians
  • 15-1252.00 Software Developers
  • 15-2041.00 Statisticians


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about operations research analysts, visit: Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences
  • Military Operations Research Society
  • Operations Research Analysts

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.