Average Operations Research Analysts Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Operations Research Analysts in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an impressive average annual salary of $125,490, significantly outpacing the national average of $99,860. This substantial pay differential is driven by the region's high demand for analytical expertise, particularly within government, defense, and consulting sectors that are prevalent in this metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $125,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The job market for Operations Research Analysts in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 7,610 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 3.49 indicates a strong concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing demand for specialized analytical skills within this specific geographic area.
Salary Overview
The average Operations Research Analysts in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+25.7%above the national average.
$60.3
$2,413
$10,458
Operations Research Analysts Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the average salary for Operations Research Analysts in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing data complexity, the rise of big data analytics, and the continuous need for optimized decision-making across various industries likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Operations Research Analysts Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Operations Research Analysts is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential with tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,110 | $31.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $94,118 | $45.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $124,090 | $59.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $156,863 | $75.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Operations Research Analysts Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$125,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$125,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $125,490 for Operations Research Analysts in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region is particularly advantageous given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing professionals to maintain a high standard of living without the added financial strain often associated with higher-than-average living costs.
Job Market Context
7,610
Total Jobs
2.439
Per 1K Jobs
3.49
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 3.5x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 3.49, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Operations Research Analysts than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and competitive job market where employers actively seek out talent with these specific analytical skills, indicating a strong demand that outstrips the general national distribution.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operations Research Analysts
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Operations Research Analysts Salary | $88,870↓ 29% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Operations Research Analysts Salary | $106,990↓ 15% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Operations Research Analysts Salary | $133,340↑ 6% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Operations Research Analysts Salary | $82,710↓ 34% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Operations Research Analystss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operations Research Analysts make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Operations Research Analysts in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $125,490. This typically ranges from $65,110 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 25.7% higher than the national median of $99,860.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Operations Research Analysts?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Operations Research Analysts.The average salary of $125,490 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, maximizing earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Operations Research Analysts?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
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 the area compare nationally?
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area has 7,610 Operations Research Analysts, and with a Location Quotient of 3.49, it indicates a much higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role?
An LQ of 3.49 means that Operations Research Analysts are 3.49 times more concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area than they are across the United States, signaling strong local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the Operations Research Analyst salary in this region?
No, the cost of living in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the high nominal salary of $125,490 offers excellent real purchasing power.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' mean for this role?
The figure of 2.439 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates that for every thousand individuals employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region, approximately 2.44 are Operations Research Analysts, reflecting the role's presence in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,610 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 2.439 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV