Operations Research Analysts Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Operations Research Analysts in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $124,090 a year, or about $59.66 an hour. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $192K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $113,970 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 30.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $124K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About operations research analysts
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level operations research analysts (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $124K.Top earners bring in $192K or more - a $127K spread from bottom to top.
Operations Research Analysts pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $123K | +35% | 6,320 |
| Alabama | $118K | +29% | 500 |
| District of Columbia | $116K | +27% | 2,190 |
| New York | $109K | +20% | 6,020 |
| Vermont | $109K | +19% | 120 |
| Ohio | $105K | +15% | 2,970 |
| Illinois | $103K | +13% | 5,020 |
| New Jersey | $101K | +11% | 2,630 |
| Delaware | $101K | +11% | 600 |
| Maryland | $101K | +11% | 4,280 |
| North Carolina | $101K | +10% | 2,520 |
| Alaska | $100K | +9% | 60 |
| Kansas | $100K | +9% | 550 |
| Oregon | $99K | +9% | 2,590 |
| Connecticut | $99K | +9% | 1,020 |
Track operations research analysts salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do operations research analysts make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $124,090 a year - that works out to about $59.66 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,110, and experienced operations research analysts can clear $191,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $124K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,322/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 30.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a operations research analysts salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median operations research analysts salary is worth about $113,970 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do operations research analysts get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.