Operations Research Analysts: how much of the work does AI already do?

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Median pay

$88,940

What the job involves

• Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
• 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.
• Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.

Related jobs that pay more or are less exposed

Chosen by overlap in skills and knowledge with operations research analysts, so the move uses what you already know.

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• Actuaries

  Pays about $41,000 more (median $130,000). AI use is lower: 5% of tasks.

Compare with a related job

• Operations Research Analysts vs Database Architects: AI exposure, pay and openings
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• Operations Research Analysts vs Statisticians: AI exposure, pay and openings

Prompts to run on your own résumé in any AI assistant

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Questions

Will AI replace operations research analysts?

This data cannot say. It measures how much of the work AI is already used for today: 43% of the tasks, which is high. It is not a forecast of job loss.

How is the number worked out?

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index, March 2026.

What do operations research analysts earn?

The national median is $88,940 a year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Exposure: Anthropic Economic Index, March 2026. Pay and growth: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tasks and skills: O*NET. All jobs.