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Operations Research Analysts

Operations Research Analysts score 63 out of 100, which is high exposure to AI. That ranks #80 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 16 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 4 on its own and 12 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 13 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

63/ 100
High
Rank
#80of 923 jobs
US workers
108,510BLS, May 2025
Median pay
$88,940a year
In real AI use
13 of 16tasks, April–May 2026

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

  • AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (25%)
  • AI can speed this up with extra software: 12 (75%)
  • Little or no AI speed-up: 0 (0%)
  • Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
  • Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
  • Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
  • Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
  • Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
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Questions about operations research analysts and AI

Will AI replace operations research analysts?

Probably not entirely, but the job is likely to change a lot. Operations Research Analysts score 63 out of 100 (high exposure), #80 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 16 of the job's 16 tasks, 4 of them on its own. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which operations research analysts tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters"; "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".

Which operations research analysts tasks are hardest for AI?

Every task in this job has some AI exposure, though 12 of them need extra software built around the AI.

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 13 of the 16 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as operations research analysts, and what do they earn?

About 108,510 people in the US, with median pay of $88,940 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.

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