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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 15-2031 Operations Research Analysts
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods using a computer to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May develop related software, service, or products. Frequently concentrates on collecting and analyzing data and developing decision support software. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
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Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
OJT: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks: Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters. 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. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions. Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes. Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models. Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary. Define data requirements and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests. Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems. Observe the current system in operation and gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources. Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data. Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Excellent
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $27.09   Entry $56,365.00
Mean $45.99   Mean $95,658.00
Experience $55.44 Experience $115,314.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
8501,110852.7
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Occupational Videos
15-2031.00 Operations Research Analysts