Operations Research Analysts
SOC: 15-2031.00 · Job Zone 5 (Extensive preparation)
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
AI Impact Summary
Operations Research Analysts faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 37/100. Significant displacement is estimated between 2041 and 2051. Of 16 analyzed tasks, 3 are highly automatable, particularly in routine_cognitive. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Wage & Employment (2024)
Median Wage
$91,290
per year
Mean Wage
$99,120
per year
Employment
108K
workers
Wage Range
$53,910 - $159,280
10th - 90th pct
Wage Distribution
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 24.1%
Skill Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (7)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (5)
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Operations Research Analysts professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Memorization
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Instructing
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Persuasion
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Task Breakdown
16 tasks analyzed
Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
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.
Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
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.
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.
Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.
Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
| Task | Category | AI Capability | Risk Score | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 12% |
| Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 10% |
| Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 20 | 23.0 | 8% |
| Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 35 | 29.0 | 6% |
| Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 20 | 23.0 | 6% |
| Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems. | Non-Routine Analytical | 55 | 49.0 | 8% |
| Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 8% |
| Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 6% |
| Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 7% |
| Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources. | Non-Routine Analytical | 45 | 45.0 | 5% |
| Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them. | Non-Routine Analytical | 60 | 51.0 | 5% |
| Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data. | Non-Routine Analytical | 50 | 47.0 | 5% |
| Educate staff in the use of mathematical models. | Non-Routine Interpersonal | 30 | 27.0 | 3% |
| Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models. | Non-Routine Analytical | 65 | 53.0 | 4% |
| Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects. | Routine Cognitive | 85 | 83.2 | 4% |
| Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules. | Routine Cognitive | 70 | 77.2 | 3% |
Community Assessment
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