Operations Research Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · SOC 15-2031
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
Decision card
Career Evidence Passport
SOC 15-2031 evidence across exposure, wages, projections, postings, certified LCAs, skills, and transitions.
- SOC exposure
- 42.9%
- Very High · Anthropic AEI
- Automation friction
- 48/100
- Moderate friction; broad SOC seed ORS job-requirements coverage.
- Wages
- $88,940
- H-1B offered wage $120,000; LCAs are filings.
- Projected openings
- 10,900
- BLS EP 2024–2034; employment change +21.5%.
- Observed/proxy demand
- 7,582
- FY2025 certified LCAs; 24,753 postings in 2025.
Skill evidence
- H-1B values are certified Labor Condition Applications, not visa approvals.
- Job postings are seed-static / seed-derived; treat as provider-ready proxy coverage until observed provider data is wired in.
- Transition matches are directional skill-overlap context, not placement guarantees.
- This release is a FutureGrid broad-SOC seed derived from public BLS ORS requirement concepts and categories, not direct occupation-level ORS survey estimates. It describes job requirements, not worker ability, AI capability, or displacement probability. Automation friction is a FutureGrid derived score and should be read alongside exposure, demand, wage, and projection signals.
Best transitions from here
Explore all pathways→Lower AI-exposure roles that reuse your skills, ranked by a transition score (skills that transfer, safety gain, pay and retraining effort).
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AI Exposure Analysis
Across AI measures
Multiple exposure lenses for this occupation.
AI could do ~62.9% of this role but only ~42.9% is currently done with AI — a large capability-vs-adoption gap.
Top Skills
H-1B Visa Sponsorship Demand
View full H-1B trends →Certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications naming this occupation, FY2016–FY2025. A descriptive high-skill labor-demand signal — employer filings, not visa approvals or individual outcomes. Note: one LCA can cover multiple worker positions.
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
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.
Common titles: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Optimization Analyst
Representative Tasks
- •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.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Present research results to others.
- •Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
- •Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
- •Evaluate data quality.
- •Develop scientific or mathematical models.
Tools & Technologies
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
Employment & Wage Trend
BLS OEWS, 2019–2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). See /sources.
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 42.9% | 35.3% |
| Outlook | Bright ↗ | 19% Bright |
| Median Salary | $88,940 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 57/100 | N/A |