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Operations Analyzers Job Overview

Operations analyzers develop and interpret information that assists management make decision, formulate policy and complete other managerial functions successfully. They may need to create and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods with the help of computers. They may also develop related software, services or products. Operations analyzers also collect and analyze data and develop decision support software.

Operations Analyzers Schools and Degrees

Operations analyzers should earn a master’s degree in operations research or any related field, such as computer science, engineering, business, mathematics, information systems or management science. They may acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science, economics, mathematics or statistics. There are more than 130 programs in operations research and related studies in colleges and universities across the United States.

Job Requirements

Employers prefer operations analyzers with a college degree in operations research. Computer programming skills are also highly valued. Operations analyzers should continue their education in order to keep themselves updated on technological advances and improvements in analytical methods, and also to maintain their problem-solving skills. They also need to be proficient in database collection and management, and developing and using sophisticated software packages. Other desired skills include logical thinking and communication skills, mathematical reasoning, deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.

Nature of Work

In large organizations, money, materials, equipment and people need to be managed efficiently. Operations analyzers apply analytical methods from mathematics, science and engineering in order to find ways to coordinate these elements. They often find possible solutions for completing a project as efficiently and smoothly as possible. They are also involved in top-level strategizing, planning and forecasting. Operations analyzers start a project with the manager’s description of a problem and then ask questions and formally define the problem. Then they study the problem, gather information from a variety of sourcesand determine the most appropriate analytical technique when they have all the required information. Based on the results of the analysis, the operations analyzer presents recommendations to managers. Once the decision is made by a manager, they work with others in the organization to ensure the successful implementation of the plan.

Operations analyzers generally work regular hours in an office environment. However, because they work on projects that are of immediate interest to top managers, operations research analysts often work under pressure to meet deadlines and may work more than 40 hours a week.

Operations Analyzers Jobs and Outlook

According to research in 2006, operations analyzers held 58,000 jobs in the US. That number is expected to grow by 11% over the next ten years. Employment is the highest in the following industries:

• Computer systems design firms
• Federal, State, and local governments
• Insurance carriers and other financial institutions
• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services firms
• Telecommunications companies

The mean hourly wage for operations analyzers in the US is about $34.44, while the mean annual salary is around $71,640.

Job Numbers and Growth

About 58,000 operations analyzers can be found working in the US. A very low unemployment level has been the case recently. Employees without jobs were about 1%.

Area Job Conditions

Finding employees is easiest in Durham (North Carolina), Tallahassee (Florida), and Austin (Texas), and by comparison more challenging in Las Vegas (Nevada), Nassau (New York), and New Orleans (Louisiana).

The pay is best in Spartanburg (South Carolina), Atlantic City (New Jersey), and Washington (District of Columbia) and worst in Baton Rouge (Louisiana), Provo (Utah), and Springfield (Massachusetts).

Training and Education

You'll generally want a master's degree for this career path. Of current employees, 71% graduated from college with degrees. Some 23% of operations analyzers attened college but did not go on to get a bachelor's degree. A high school education was sufficient for 7% of workers. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Operations analyzers working part-time accounted for 6% of those employed in 2008.

Operations Analyzers by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin