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How an operations research analyst can use AI, task by task

O*NET 15-2031.00: Operations Research AnalystsMedian pay $88,940/year (BLS, May 2025)17 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst), Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist), Optimization Analyst, Researcher.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 22%AI-assist 78%Stays human 0%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 4 AI-ready, 13 AI-assist and 0 human-led tasks out of 17. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

None of this job's listed tasks fall in this group.

AI can draft these 4

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.

Monthly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 55% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Problem: [delays, errors, defects, protocol issues]
Data: [paste logs, indicators, printouts]

Find patterns that point to the cause, rank likely causes, and suggest checks and fixes. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Root-cause from data

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze information.
Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the first check it suggests and confirm the cause before fixing.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze data to identify or resolve operational problems..

Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 80% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Word.
Activity: [help desk, transactions]
Notes: [paste]

Draft log entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Activity log

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems.
Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Document operational activities..

Review research literature.

Monthly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to review research literature.

Context: The work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Field: [my area]
What I need: [new methods, recent findings, specific question]

Act as my tutor: explain the main recent developments, key papers to look up, and quiz me with 5 questions one at a time. I'll verify every paper exists.

10-minute exercise: Literature catch-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review research literature.
Step 2Fill in [Field] and [What I need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Look up two of the papers it names and read the abstracts.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge..

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

Monthly

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 44% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and SAP software; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Project: [objectives, team]
Constraints: [time, budget]

Draft a plan with milestones, risks and owners. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Project plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop and apply time and cost networks.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections. Recompute every total yourself.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop detailed project plans.. Also involves: Manage budgets for appropriate resource allocation..

AI can help you prep these 13

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

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

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 87% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.

Context: We use SAS and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
What I'm evaluating: [hardware, software, process]
Needs: [requirements]

Compare options against my needs in a table, list questions for vendors, and sources to verify.

10-minute exercise: Product or process research

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe the current system (this week).
Step 2Fill in [What I'm evaluating] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm the top option's claims with the vendor or a trial.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.. Also involves: Troubleshoot issues with computer applications or systems..

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

Weekly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.

Issue: [describe]
Who: [vendors, project staff]

Draft a message with facts and needed actions. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: IT issue collaboration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with others (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues..

Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 40% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Problem: [describe]
Data or principles: [inputs]

Propose a model and solve it with code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Mathematical model

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform validation and testing of models.
Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data or principles] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop scientific or mathematical models..

Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 64% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Problem: [describe]
Data: [paste or describe]

Suggest the right method, assumptions, and code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Apply a statistical method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you define data requirements (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.. Also involves: Evaluate data quality.; Determine appropriate methods for data analysis..

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

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 35% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Problem: [describe]
Data or principles: [inputs]

Propose a model and solve it with code. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Mathematical model

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems.
Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data or principles] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop scientific or mathematical models..

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

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.

Context: The work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Audience: [management, clients, meeting]
Results: [paste key findings and numbers]

Turn this into a short presentation: headline message, 3 key charts to make, plain-language explanations, and likely questions with answers.

10-minute exercise: Present research results

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis.
Step 2Fill in [Audience] and [Results] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every number on your slides against the analysis output.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Present research results to others..

Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.

Weekly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 46% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and SAP software; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Problem: [describe]
Data: [type, size, structure]

Recommend methods with assumptions, pros and cons, and starter code. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Choose an analysis method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you specify manipulative or computational methods (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Problem] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine appropriate methods for data analysis..

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

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.

Issue: [describe]
Who: [vendors, project staff]

Draft a message with facts and needed actions. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: IT issue collaboration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with senior managers and decision makers.
Step 2Fill in [Issue] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues..

Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 33% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.

Context: We use Microsoft SharePoint and SAS; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Project: [system, facility]
Needs: [data]

Derive specifications and gaps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Requirements analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you study and analyze information about alternative courses of action.
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements..

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

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Basic; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Model: [financial, GIS, simulation]
Inputs and outputs: [describe]

Design the model and write starter code with tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Model or simulation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models.
Step 2Fill in [Model] and [Inputs and outputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design computer modeling or simulation programs..

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

Monthly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 42% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.

Context: We use Tableau and Microsoft Power BI; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Data: [paste table]
Question: [what relationships matter]

Analyze correlations and trends with code or formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Find trends and relationships

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you break systems.
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables.. Also involves: Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields..

Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to educate staff in the use of mathematical models.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Process: [models, methods]
Staff: [describe]

Plan a demonstration and practice. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Process training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you educate staff.
Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Staff] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train others on work processes..

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

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 47% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an operations research analyst. Part of my job is to develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.

Context: We use C and Microsoft Visual Basic; the work draws on mathematics, engineering and technology and production and processing.
Business problem: [what's slow, manual or error-prone]
Inputs and outputs: [data in, results needed, who uses them]

Propose a system or automation, specify inputs, processing and outputs, and write starter code or queries with tests.

10-minute exercise: Solve a business problem with IT

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop business methods and procedures.
Step 2Fill in [Business problem] and [Inputs and outputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Prototype the smallest piece and test it on real (anonymized) data.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply information technology to solve business or other applied problems..

These stay human 0

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Impact of decisions: important results

None of this job's tasks are here.

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
  • Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  • Speakingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Statisticians3% human-led · Same preparation · $105,650/yr · usually master's degreeSkills to build: Science, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics
  • Mathematicians10% human-led · Same preparation · $126,710/yr · usually doctoral degreeSkills to build: Science, Mathematics, Active Learning
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists12% human-led · Same preparation · $140,300/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Technology Design, Programming, Time Management
  • Astronomers37% human-led · Same preparation · $128,820/yr · usually doctoral degreeSkills to build: Science, Learning Strategies, Writing

Getting into this job

Master's degree is most common (43% of workers)

  • Bachelor's 43%
  • Graduate degree 57%
  • On-the-job training: 1–3 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Amazon RedshiftApache HadoopApache HiveApple macOSBashCC++ESRI ArcGIS softwareExtensible markup language XMLGitHubGoogle DocsIBM SPSS Statistics