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Mathematicians vs Operations Research Analysts

Median pay is about $38k higher for Mathematicians. The usual entry education is master's for Mathematicians and bachelor's for Operations Research Analysts.

marks the higher pay or growth. Education, difficulty and the AI rows depend on what you want, so they are not marked.

Mathematicians compared with Operations Research Analysts: pay, outlook, entry and AI exposure
MeasureMathematiciansOperations Research Analysts
Pay
Median pay$126,710, higher$88,940
Entry pay 25th percentile$88,570, higher$68,360
Experienced pay 75th percentile$157,020, higher$125,990
Outlook, 2025 to 2035
Projected growth+0.6% Stable+12% Growing fast, higher
Openings a year1007,500
Getting in
Typical educationMaster'sBachelor's
Difficulty modeled3 / 52.6 / 5
AI
Displacement risk modeledVery highVery high
AI exposure modeled, percentile92nd pct97th pct

Where the skills differ

Only Mathematicians

  • Active Learning
  • Science

Only Operations Research Analysts

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking

Both lean on mathematics, critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing.

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Pay and outlook: BLS (OEWS 2025, Employment Projections 2025-2035). Skills: O*NET 30.3. Difficulty, displacement risk and AI exposure are modeled estimates. How these numbers are made.