Salary distribution
Where Iowa operations research analysts fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $59,730 and $117,920, with a median of $78,140.
Operations Research Analysts in Iowa: actual employer-disclosed pay
Public records from 12 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications filed with the U.S. Department of Labor. Median offered wage: $78,794. Every figure below is an actual offered salary an employer attested to under federal law.
By DOL wage level
DOL classifies every offer into one of four wage levels based on the role's experience and skill requirements.
| Level | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|
| Level I — entry | 4 | $54,842 |
| Level II — qualified | 5 | $83,687 |
| Level III — experienced | 1 | $89,710 |
| Level IV — fully competent | 1 | $170,000 |
Top employers filing for this role
Companies with the most certified filings for Operations Research Analysts in Iowa. Median offer is across all of that employer's filings.
| Employer | Most-filed title | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oasys Technologies Inc | OPERATIONS ENGINEER | 2 | $89,211 |
| The University of Iowa | Assistant Research Scientist | 2 | $64,450 |
| Athene Annuity and Life Company | Sr. Business Systems Analyst Lead | 2 | $126,844 |
| IQVIA RDS Inc. | Therapeutic Strategy Director | 1 | $200,944 |
| University of Northern Iowa | Operations Improvement & Funding Coordinator | 1 | $54,683 |
| Sukup Manufacturing Co. | Project Portfolio Manager | 1 | $89,710 |
| Bolang 888 LLC | Operations Research Analyst | 1 | $47,466 |
| CAUSEY & YE LAW, P.L.L.C. | Operations Manager | 1 | $60,000 |
| TIG Distributing, Inc. | Operations Research Analyst | 1 | $72,467 |
Recent sample filings
A snapshot of recent certified offers. Each line is a real, public, verifiable record.
- Therapeutic Strategy Director at IQVIA RDS Inc.$200,944CoralvilleDecided Nov 14, 2025I-200-25308-368930
- Operations Improvement & Funding Coordinator at University of Northern Iowa$54,683Cedar FallsWage Level IDecided Sep 9, 2025I-200-25245-281282
- Project Portfolio Manager at Sukup Manufacturing Co.$89,710West Des MoinesWage Level IIIDecided Jun 6, 2025I-200-25150-035796
- OPERATIONS ENGINEER at Oasys Technologies Inc$89,211DES MOINESWage Level IIDecided Jun 5, 2025I-200-25149-029295
- OPERATIONS MANAGER at Oasys Technologies Inc$89,211DES MOINESWage Level IIDecided Jun 4, 2025I-200-25148-026443
- Operations Research Analyst at Bolang 888 LLC$47,466IOWA CITYWage Level IDecided Jun 2, 2025I-200-25143-011122
- Operations Manager at CAUSEY & YE LAW, P.L.L.C.$60,000Des MoinesWage Level IDecided May 28, 2025I-200-25140-996424
- Assistant Research Scientist at The University of Iowa$73,900Iowa CiyWage Level IIDecided Mar 19, 2025I-200-25071-769792
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Foreign Labor Certification. Disclosed wages reflect what employers attested to pay; actual paid wages may differ. Only certified filings are shown — denied and withdrawn cases are excluded.
Operations Research Analysts pay by experience level in Iowa
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Operations Research Analysts in Iowa, by industry
Median offered wage across 11 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Education leads with a median of $55,000.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | The University of Iowa | 3 | $55,000 |
| Manufacturing | IQVIA RDS Inc. | 2 | $145,327 |
| Technology and software | Oasys Technologies Inc | 2 | $89,211 |
| Professional services | CAUSEY & YE LAW, P.L.L.C. | 2 | $66,234 |
| Finance and insurance | Athene Annuity and Life Company | 2 | $126,844 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Iowa over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Mathematics
Basic skill
- 4.3 / 5
Number Facility
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- 02
Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- 03
Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- 04
Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- 05
Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- 06
Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- 07
Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- 08
Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+21.5%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing much faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Operations Research Analysts in Iowa?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Operations Research Analysts in Iowa is $78,140.
- How does Iowa compare to the national median for Operations Research Analysts?
- The Iowa median is -16.0% versus the BLS national figure of $93,011.
- What is the salary range for Operations Research Analysts in Iowa?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $38,600 and the 90th-percentile at $136,700, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Operations Research Analysts a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 21.5% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Operations Research Analysts?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.