Operations Research Analysts in California
Want to work as an Operations Research Analysts in California? Here’s what you need to know. 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.
What do Operations Research Analysts Make in California?
The operations research analysts working in California, wages run about $96,920 per year (or about $46.60/hour).Pay can range from $63,790 at the 10th percentile to $167,170 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,790 | $30.67 |
| 25th percentile | $76,540 | $36.80 |
| Median (50th) | $96,920 | $46.60 |
| 75th percentile | $127,710 | $61.40 |
| 90th percentile | $167,170 | $80.37 |
The job concentration index in California relative to the national average — is 0.87, meaning fewer operations research analysts per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, operations research analysts earn a median of $83,596 per year ($40.19/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 276,629 operations research analysts nationwide. In California alone, approximately 11,030 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 1,090 operations research analysts.
Top California Metros for Operations Research Analysts
The metro areas below employ the most operations research analysts in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 3,550 | $88,150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 2,350 | $110,000 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 1,270 | $90,490 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 1,060 | $112,550 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 510 | $91,180 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 410 | $85,270 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 210 | $94,100 |
| Fresno, CA | 160 | $82,770 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 110 | $101,390 |
| Modesto, CA | 90 | $72,340 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 80 | $88,980 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 80 | $66,200 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 60 | $87,250 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 40 | $83,810 |
| Salinas, CA | 30 | $80,270 |
| Vallejo, CA | 30 | $92,830 |
| Visalia, CA | 30 | $75,520 |
Top States for Operations Research Analysts Employment
These states have the highest employment of operations research analysts work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 12,240 |
| California | 11,030 |
| Florida | 8,230 |
| Virginia | 6,320 |
| New York | 6,020 |
| Illinois | 5,020 |
| Massachusetts | 4,860 |
| Georgia | 4,450 |
| Maryland | 4,280 |
| Wisconsin | 4,080 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,030 |
| Ohio | 2,970 |
| Washington | 2,850 |
| New Jersey | 2,630 |
| Oregon | 2,590 |
| North Carolina | 2,520 |
| District of Columbia | 2,190 |
| Arizona | 2,170 |
| Missouri | 2,010 |
| Indiana | 1,660 |
Highest-Paying States for Operations Research Analysts
The highest-paying states for operations research analysts.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia | $123,050 |
| Alabama | $117,540 |
| District of Columbia | $115,980 |
| New York | $109,440 |
| Vermont | $108,800 |
| Ohio | $104,610 |
| Colorado | $104,560 |
| Illinois | $102,750 |
| New Jersey | $101,220 |
| Delaware | $101,210 |
Skills
Top operations research analysts skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for operations research analysts, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
- Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Working with Computers
- Processing Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Thinking Creatively
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Developing Objectives and Strategies
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Amazon Redshift, Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apple macOS, Bash, C In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software
Related Careers
Careers similar to operations research analysts include:
- Logistics Engineers
- Project Management Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Financial Risk Specialists
- Financial Quantitative Analysts
- Computer Systems Analysts
Also Known As
Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Analytics Consultant, Business Analyst, Business Operations Analyst, Business Process Analyst, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Decision Analyst, Decision Support Analyst, File System Installer, Forms Analyst, Liaison Planner, Material Liaison, Methods Analyst, Methods Consultant.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 15-2031.00
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