JOB REPORT / 15-2031 · 17 TASKS

Operations Research Analysts.

Can AI do the work of Operations Research Analysts?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan…
Break systems into their components, assign numerical values…
Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Operations Research Analysts work. It covers the 17 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

17 of 17 tasks reviewed

We went through all 17 core tasks in this job, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Operations Research Analysts actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
AI DOES
Builds schedule networks, runs critical path math, and flags cost or time risks
YOU DO
Gather ground-truth data from teams and decide which tradeoffs fit the project's real goals
TASK 02
Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
AI DOES
Suggests model structures, generates equations, and runs calculations quickly
YOU DO
Decide which components matter and whether the math matches reality
TASK 03
Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
AI DOES
Drafts slide decks, writes plain-language summaries, and suggests charts to visualize model outputs
YOU DO
Read your audience and connect the numbers to real business decisions
TASK 04
Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
AI DOES
Suggests optimization techniques, algorithms, and computational approaches based on model type
YOU DO
Judge which method fits the actual business problem, data limits, and acceptable risk
TASK 05
Review research literature.
AI DOES
Summarizes papers, flags key findings, and organizes sources by topic
YOU DO
Decide which research actually fits your specific problem and context
TASK 06
Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
AI DOES
Drafts lesson plans, explains model concepts in plain language, and builds practice examples
YOU DO
Read your audience and adjust how you teach in the moment
TASK 07
Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
AI DOES
Runs statistical checks, spots missing values, and suggests relevant data fields
YOU DO
Decide which data questions actually matter for the business problem
TASK 08
Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
AI DOES
Runs automated checks, generates test cases, and spots data anomalies in model outputs
YOU DO
Judge whether the model fits the real-world problem and decide how to reformulate it
TASK 09
Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
AI DOES
Searches documents, summarizes reports, spots data patterns, and flags anomalies across large datasets
YOU DO
Go watch the system in action, talk to people, and judge which problems really matter
TASK 10
Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
AI DOES
Suggests modeling frameworks, runs simulations, checks math, and flags gaps in assumptions
YOU DO
Decide what the model needs to measure and why it matters to the real problem
TASK 11SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
AI DOES
Builds initial models from problem descriptions and data
YOU DO
Define what matters and validate the logic
About this analysis
43% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 12SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
AI DOES
Generates system templates and process frameworks
YOU DO
Tailor to company needs and culture
About this analysis
43% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 13SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
AI DOES
Gathers data and drafts problem analysis sections
YOU DO
Frame the real issues and priorities
About this analysis
38% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 14SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
AI DOES
Processes data and identifies potential problem patterns
YOU DO
Frame the real issues and priorities
About this analysis
33% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 15SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
AI DOES
Processes data and maps out scenario outcomes
YOU DO
Weigh trade-offs and choose wisely
About this analysis
30% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 16SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
AI DOES
Prepares background research and agenda options
YOU DO
Build trust and guide tough conversations
About this analysis
20% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 17SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
AI DOES
Tracks progress and drafts status updates
YOU DO
Build trust and navigate office politics
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Operations Research Analysts
SOC code: 15-2031
Tasks reviewed: 17 of 17

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $88,940 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $129,880 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 108,510
Employed in Colorado: 770
Job outlook: +21.5% by 2034 · ~9,600 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.

Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.

Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.

Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.

Review research literature.

Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.

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.

Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.

Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.

Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.

Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.

Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending 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.

Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.

Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.