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Business OperationsTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Operations Research Analyst

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 openings

133

BLS median wage

$129,880

Typical education

Master's degree

10-year growth

+22%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Master's degree

Credential requirement

No specific credential listed yet

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
  2. Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
  3. Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
  4. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
  5. Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
  6. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.