Operations Research Analysts
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 32/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 51% of all analyzed occupations. Of 17 analyzed tasks, 0 are highly automatable. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact 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 (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Operations Research Analysts skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.
Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
Machine Learning Specialization
by Stanford / DeepLearning.AI
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Creative Writing Specialization
by Wesleyan University
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Design Patterns in C# and .NET
by Pluralsight
Estimated Impact
We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.
Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
17 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.
Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
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.
Review research literature.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters. | 60.82Observed | 51.3% | 12% | |
| Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 10% | |
| Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives. | 63.7Observed | 40.5% | 9% | |
| Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users. | 40Estimated | 31.0% | 6% | |
| Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions. | 54.8Observed | 36.9% | 6% | |
| Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems. | 52.28Observed | 47.9% | 8% | |
| Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes. | 63.52Observed | 52.4% | 8% | |
| Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests. | 34.95Observed | 41.0% | 7% | |
| Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions. | 57.2Observed | 49.9% | 6% | |
| Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 5% | |
| Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them. | 63.52Observed | 52.4% | 5% | |
| Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 4% | |
| Educate staff in the use of mathematical models. | 35Estimated | 29.0% | 3% | |
| Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 4% | |
| Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 3% | |
| Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules. | 64.72Observed | 52.9% | 2% | |
| Review research literature. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 30.1%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
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
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Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
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Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
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Cost Estimators
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Higher risk than 72% of other occupations
Mathematicians
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Higher risk than 72% of other occupations
Biostatisticians
37%Median salary: $103,300
Higher risk than 73% of other occupations
Statisticians
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Higher risk than 75% of other occupations
Risk Management Specialists
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Sales Managers
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Chief Executives
26%Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
General and Operations Managers
28%Higher risk than 29% of other occupations
Marketing Managers
30%Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Advertising and Promotions Managers
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Computer and Information Systems Managers
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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.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Instructing
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination 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.
- Writing
Writing 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.
- Active Learning
Active Learning 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.
Score History
Risk score over 3 scoring runs
overall change