Average Operations Research Analysts Salary in District of Columbia
Operations Research Analysts in the District of Columbia earn a commanding average annual salary of $123,890, significantly outpacing the national average of $99,860. This elevated compensation is driven by the high concentration of specialized industries and government agencies within the DC metro area that rely heavily on advanced analytical expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $123,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $197,160.
- Outlook: The District of Columbia boasts a robust job market for Operations Research Analysts, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,190 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 4.42, the demand for these analytical roles is more than four times the national average, indicating a strong and persistent need for their skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Operations Research Analysts in District of Columbia earns+24.1%above the national average.
$59.6
$2,383
$10,324
Operations Research Analysts Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Operations Research Analysts in the District of Columbia have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing demand for sophisticated data analysis, evolving technological capabilities, and the persistent need for strategic decision-making support in a dynamic economic environment.
Operations Research Analysts Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression for Operations Research Analysts in the District of Columbia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,490 | $30 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $92,918 | $44.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $115,980 | $55.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $154,863 | $74.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $197,160 | $94.8 |
Detailed Operations Research Analysts Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$123,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,315
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the nominal average salary of $123,890 in the District of Columbia is attractive, it's crucial to consider the local Cost of Living Index of 148.7. This means that everyday expenses are nearly 49% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the gross salary is substantial, the actual purchasing power may be moderated by the elevated cost of housing, transportation, and other necessities.
Job Market Context
2,190
Total Jobs
3.092
Per 1K Jobs
4.42
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 4.4x the national concentration of Operations Research Analysts jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The District of Columbia presents a highly concentrated market for Operations Research Analysts, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.42. This signifies that the region employs a disproportionately larger number of these professionals compared to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized demand and potentially a competitive landscape for talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operations Research Analysts
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Operations Research Analysts Salary | $88,870↓ 28% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Operations Research Analysts Salary | $106,990↓ 14% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Operations Research Analysts Salary | $133,340↑ 8% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Operations Research Analysts Salary | $82,710↓ 33% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operations Research Analysts make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Operations Research Analysts in District of Columbia is $123,890. This typically ranges from $62,490 for entry-level positions to $197,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 24.1% higher than the national median of $99,860.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Operations Research Analysts?
Yes, the District of Columbia is a highly lucrative location for Operations Research Analysts.The average salary of $123,890 is substantially higher than the national average, and the high concentration of roles (LQ of 4.42) indicates strong demand.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Operations Research Analysts?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($88,870) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the number of Operations Research Analysts in DC compare nationally?
With 2,190 Operations Research Analysts, DC has a significant local workforce. The Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric of 3.092 further emphasizes the prevalence of these roles in the area compared to the national landscape.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Operations Research Analysts in DC?
A Location Quotient of 4.42 means that Operations Research Analysts are more than four times more concentrated in the District of Columbia than in the average U.S. location. This indicates a specialized and robust demand for their skills within the region.
How does the cost of living affect the Operations Research Analyst salary in DC?
The high Cost of Living Index of 148.7 means that the $123,890 average salary needs to be viewed in context, as expenses are significantly higher than the national average. While the nominal salary is high, the real purchasing power is impacted by these elevated costs.
What are the career growth prospects for Operations Research Analysts in DC?
The strong demand, indicated by the high LQ and substantial workforce, suggests excellent career growth prospects. As analysts gain experience, their earning potential increases significantly, with senior roles commanding top-tier compensation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,190 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 3.092 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Operations Research Analysts • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia