Operation Research Analysts Salary in California (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Operations Research Analysts in California, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
California Median
$102,100
per year
Hourly Rate
$49.09
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+15% vs US median
US median $88,940
State Rank
#8 of 47
10,620 employed here

How much does an Operation Research Analysts make in California?

An Operation Research Analysts working in California earns a median salary of $102,100 per year, or about $49.09 per hour. That is 15% above the national median of $88,940 for this occupation.

Within California, entry-level pay starts around $65,510 while the top 10% make $168,030 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $79,990 and $131,220 a year.

Operation Research Analysts salary range in California

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$65,510$31.50
25th percentile (early career)$79,990$38.46
50th percentile (median)$102,100$49.09
75th percentile (experienced)$131,220$63.09
90th percentile (top earners)$168,030$80.78

How California compares

California ranks 8th out of 47 states and territories for Operation Research Analysts pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Colorado$129,880
2Virginia$129,460
3Alabama$115,630
4New York$108,610
5Ohio$103,620

Working as an Operation Research Analysts in California

Nationally, about 109,000 people work as Operations Research Analysts in the United States. A master's degree (usually 5 to 6 years of college) is typically required.

Considering a move? Compare California pay ($102,100) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Operation Research Analysts make in California?
The median Operation Research Analysts salary in California is $102,100 per year, or about $49.09 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,510 at the entry level to $168,030 for the top 10% of earners.
How does California pay compare to the national average?
California pays Operations Research Analysts about 15% more than the national median of $88,940. California ranks 8th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is California a good state for Operations Research Analysts?
Yes on pay — California pays above the national median for this occupation, at $102,100 a year. About 10,620 Operations Research Analysts are employed in California. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in California?
The highest-paying occupations in California include Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric ($400,150), Neurologist ($357,080), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($353,900), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Operation Research Analysts salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.