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Boston Career Explorer

Computer and Mathematical

Operations Research Analysts

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.

Also called: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Optimization Analyst

Median pay in Greater Boston
$100,700
$48.42/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
3,420
Massachusetts 2024–2034
+16.6%
380 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Bachelor's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$73,600$82,150$100,700$133,680$153,190

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • 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.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Higher exposure91 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 96
  • Language-model AIOE 83
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 95

Observed AI use today: Substantial (Anthropic Economic Index)

Operations research analysts have higher AI exposure, and observed AI use is already substantial. AI tools can help with data gathering, modeling, and report drafting. Deciding what a business needs, presenting results, and working with others to put solutions in place still rely on people. Massachusetts projects 16.6% growth through 2034.

Likely to change

  • Gathering and checking data for models
  • Building and testing mathematical models

Still relies on people

  • Presenting results and advice to management
  • Working with colleagues to carry out solutions

What federal projections say

“Demand change - share increases as operations research analysts will be needed to analyze growing amounts of data and help businesses optimize and improve processes.”
BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, factors affecting this job (U.S.)

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

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Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

10 programs near Boston (plus 16 graduate)

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