Operations Research Analyst Career Assessment
Using math to make better decisions — ND in-demand occupation
Welcome
Operations research analysts use math and data to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions.
You will explore what this problem-solving career is really like and whether it fits you.
This takes about 15 minutes.
What is a Operations Research Analyst?
An operations research analyst uses math models, statistics, and computer simulations to answer questions like "What is the best delivery route?" or "How many staff do we need each shift?"
The Reality: This job requires advanced math. Many analysts have a master's degree. You must also explain complex results in plain language to leaders.
Your Responsibilities:
- Define the problem with leaders
- Collect and analyze data
- Build math models and simulations
- Test different options
- Recommend the best choice
- Present results clearly
- Use software like Python, R, or Excel
- Check results after changes
You find the best answer to hard questions.
A Day in the Life
8:30 AM — Meet with a grain co-op about truck scheduling.
10:00 AM — Gather shipping data.
11:30 AM — Build a route optimization model.
12:30 PM — Lunch.
1:30 PM — Test scenarios.
3:00 PM — Build a presentation.
4:00 PM — Share recommendations.
Math, modeling, and explaining.
Training in North Dakota
Usually a bachelor's; many have a master's. Degrees in math, statistics, industrial engineering, data science, or business analytics lead here. No dedicated operations research degree exists in ND.
Training Pathways:
- Bachelor's degree: Math, statistics, industrial engineering, or analytics.
- Master's degree: Common for this role.
- Experience: Many roles want several years.
Where to Train in North Dakota:
- North Dakota State University (Fargo) — Industrial Engineering & Management; M.S. Applied Statistics; Business Analytics
- University of North Dakota (Grand Forks or online) — BBA Business Analytics; Data Science degrees
- Minot State University — B.S. Data Science
Before You Start: Strong math: algebra, statistics, and calculus.
Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, exam fees, or a laptop. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Many IT certifications are also sold as low-cost online courses you can do at home.
Certification & Licensing
No license. Certification is optional. INFORMS offers the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) program.
Certifications Employers Look For:
- CAP-Essentials
- CAP-Pro
- CAP-Expert
The Exams: Computer-based.
Cost: CAP-Essentials $195–$275; CAP-Pro $325–$460; CAP-Expert $440–$640 (member vs. non-member). Prices change.
Keeping It Current: Continuing education required.
Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota Operations Research Analyst Pay (May 2025):
- Starting out (bottom 10–25%): $27.85–$33.72/hour ($57,930–$70,130/year)
- Middle (median — half earn more, half earn less): $39.65/hour ($82,460/year)
- Experienced (top 25–10%): $49.12–$57.40/hour ($102,170–$119,400/year)
What that means: Good pay, close to national levels.
Jobs in North Dakota: About 140 people do this work in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 170 (about 23% growth). Expect about 10 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 22% growth — much faster than average.
Outlook: Fast growth, but a small field in ND with about 10 openings a year.
Who Hires in ND: Logistics and rail, ag processing and co-ops, manufacturing, health systems, government, and the military.
Work Setting: Offices, with remote options.
Physical Demands: Light. Desk work.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 15-2031); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.
Where This Leads
Path 1: Senior Analyst — Lead projects.
Path 2: Data Scientist — Related field.
Path 3: Supply Chain Analyst — Focus on logistics.
Path 4: Analytics Manager — Lead a team.
The Real Talk
What's Great:
- Fast growth
- Interesting puzzles
- Good pay
- Real impact on decisions
What's Hard:
- Advanced math required
- Often need a master's
- Few ND openings
- Must explain complex ideas
Be Honest: Do you love math and puzzles? Are you ready for advanced math courses and maybe a master's?