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Job outlook for senior operations analysts in the United States
Senior operations analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior operations analyst job growth rate is 23% from 2018-2028.
About 24,200 new jobs for senior operations analysts are projected over the next decade.
Senior operations analyst salaries have increased 9% for senior operations analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 84,042 senior operations analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 145,679 active senior operations analyst job openings in the US.
The average senior operations analyst salary is $82,757.
Are senior operations analyst jobs in demand?
Senior operations analyst job and salary trends over time
Senior operations analyst jobs over time
Senior operations analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 84,042 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 81,351 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 82,342 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 84,926 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 85,042 | 0.03% |
Average senior operations analyst salary over time
Senior operations analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $82,757 | $39.79 | +1.6% |
| 2024 | $81,423 | $39.15 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $80,059 | $38.49 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $78,139 | $37.57 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $76,037 | $36.56 | +0.7% |
Senior operations analyst jobs by state
Most common states for senior operations analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 671 | 97% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 190 | 30% |
| 3 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,994 | 27% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 290 | 27% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 200 | 27% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,244 | 26% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,094 | 26% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 809 | 26% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 251 | 26% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,379 | 25% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 138 | 24% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,977 | 23% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,581 | 23% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 445 | 23% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,161 | 21% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,151 | 21% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 221 | 21% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 183 | 21% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,112 | 20% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 570 | 20% |
Most common cities for senior operations analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $87,889 |
| 2 | Jacksonville | 26 | 3% | $60,896 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 13 | 3% | $66,777 |
| 4 | Naperville | 5 | 3% | $93,871 |
| 5 | Springfield | 3 | 3% | $92,568 |
| 6 | Tampa | 8 | 2% | $61,028 |
| 7 | Huntsville | 3 | 2% | $74,567 |
| 8 | Boston | 10 | 1% | $80,733 |
| 9 | Washington | 10 | 1% | $95,900 |
| 10 | Austin | 5 | 1% | $82,077 |
| 11 | Baton Rouge | 3 | 1% | $75,600 |
| 12 | Minneapolis | 3 | 1% | $80,727 |
| 13 | Chicago | 9 | 0% | $94,087 |
| 14 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $81,120 |
| 15 | New York | 5 | 0% | $87,589 |
| 16 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $123,104 |
| 17 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $70,219 |
Senior Operations Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior operations analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of North Dakota
Saint John Fisher College
Western Kentucky University
University of La Verne
Southern Connecticut State University
University of Washington
Kent State University
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Reshad Osmani PhD: In the next 3-5 years, skills like data analysis, digital literacy, adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are likely to become even more important across various fields due to the increasing influence of technology, automation, and remote work trends. Additionally, skills related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability may also gain prominence.
Renee Robinson Ph.D.
Professor of CommunicationWhat Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: What skills do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: That would be awesome! We were hoping you could answer the following questions: 1. What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career in the field?
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): As a new graduate, remember why you decided on this career. Was it because you liked to help people? Then remember your results are improving the quality of life for another person. Is it because you like detective work? Then view each sample as a puzzle to work through. Is it because you want to further your education? Then never stop learning.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Operations Analyst?
Marilyn Krogh: Statistical and communication skills are always in demand, and familiarity with a little AI would be a bonus.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Marilyn Krogh: Have a strong undergraduate portfolio, do an internship before graduation, and be willing to 'go an extra mile' for your employer.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. David Powell Ph.D.: Public administration is always a good field to enter as government touches the lives of everyone on a daily basis. Public administration careers are also very stable as most public administrators are civil servants. As such, they are hired, and keep their positions, based upon their qualifications and performance.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
David Hart: This field has become more valuable ever since the supply chain interruption due to Covid. The analyst is challenged every day with supply chain issues and deployment of the right resources to their prospective areas. Every day can be a new challenge so the work is rarely mundane.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: Once you have your first job, ask about or determine the 20% of your supervisor’s job that they hate and start doing that for them. They will love you for it and it will quickly get you recognition. You’ll also be well on your way to learning your boss’s job. Continue doing this as you progress in your career (Kudos to Theo Epstein, former GM for the Red Sox, for this recommendation)
No matter the task you’re given, do it to the absolute best of your abilities. In the professional world, you may often be given menial tasks or tasks that you don’t believe are part of your job description. Doing those tasks to the absolute best of your ability leads to increased trust, recognition and responsibility and will put you “above class.” If asked, the coffee you bring should be the best your boss has ever had. You never know who’s watching.
Don’t expect credit and don’t ask for credit when things go right; give the credit to others.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Operations Analyst?
Zhu Mao: It is exciting if someone just finished his/her schools and that is a big achievement, but I would still suggest as the first priority: do not stop learning. This may be a different set of knowledges to learn, maybe more practical, maybe not related with the major per se. Education doesn’t end here, and they want to stay on top of the industry trend and may learning new advancements through conferences and MOOCs too. Another suggestion I have is to start building up a network, and in 10, 20, and 30 years, they will find out that these professional relationships are critical to their career path and a lot of time, mentorship just happens without you realize it. Network can be strengthened both in and out of work, sometimes professional associations help a lot too. In addition, communication skills and leadership abilities cannot be more important succeeding the career. The last one would be embracing uncertainties and challenges. As a student, most of the problems have answers and professors will know the answers before you start solving the problems, while at work, it will be complete a different story. Don’t shy away from the challenges and don’t be discouraged if something didn’t work out as you thought due to many uncontrollable factors.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zhu Mao: Specifically in the next 3-5 years, I would say it is the critical thinking and problem solving capability in interdisciplinary areas. Employers will increasingly value individuals who can think critically, analyze complex situations, and propose effective solutions in the cutting edge of multiple disciplines, especially those demonstrating adaptability and resilience in the era of data science.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Operations Analyst?
Melissa Zimdars: To remember that you're going to learn a lot on the job and that failure is part of the learning process. It's okay to ask questions and to not know things, but you must be willing to take feedback, adjust, and grow.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Melissa Zimdars: Recognize that your first career opportunity won't be your last. If the job you land after college does not have opportunities for growth or advancement, it's imperative that you keep an eye out for them elsewhere as you continue to gain experience in your field.
Fawen Zhang PhD
Professor of AudiologyUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Senior Operations Analyst?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
Yvette Koepke
Associate Dean for Academic SuccessUniversity of North Dakota
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Senior Operations Analyst?
Yvette Koepke: Advice: Be open! Your knowledge and skills could be valuable to any position in any field, so don’t limit yourself to jobs with certain titles or organizations---but you need to be able to make your case. Also be open to opportunities that might arise unexpectedly through talking with people around you about your background and interests.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yvette Koepke: Salary: Preparation is key. Prepare by taking advantage of opportunities and experiences through projects, jobs, internships, organizations, or volunteering. Prepare by doing homework about the field and the position, and research showing the value of diversity. And prepare by practicing how best to make the case for what you can contribute.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yvette Koepke: Skills: Given the rapidly increasing rate of change in our world, human skills like emotional intelligence and innovation will become ever more important. Your background will help you make connections and work well with others, and think creatively and critically by considering various perspectives.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: The first step is to find a career you are passionate about. When you love what you do, it shows, and it distinguishes you from others. It's about discovering your distinctive edge, something you excel at and can use to get a competitive advantage. Also, remember to negotiate your offer. Know your worth and the going rate for your position. And specialize—having a specialized area of expertise can significantly increase your value in the employment market. These strategic actions have the potential to significantly alter your early career trajectory.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: Having grit is more important than you may realize because facing challenges and barriers is part of the process. There will be bumps and hurdles. But what important is that you do not give up. It's okay not to have all of the answers on the first day. Be curious, ask questions, and delve deeply into learning about your profession. It can take up to 6,000 hours to completely master a field. So, allow yourself the opportunity to learn and grow. Enjoy the journey, not the destination. That's where the true learning occurs.
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorWestern Kentucky University
Psychology
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.: Present your knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience by showing your research and applied projects so that employers will know what you have accomplished and the potential value you can bring to their organization.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.: · Don’t stop learning new skills, technologies, and knowledge. Your skillsets and knowledge should continuously develop in line with the rapidly changing world. There isn't a single skill or certificate that can keep you competitive for years. · You may not be a computer scientist or data scientist, it's beneficial to understand the basics of machine learning and artificial intelligence and try to use AI-assistant tools.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
William Luse PhD.: While mastering artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important, I believe the timeless skills of effective communication will remain critical. Whether it's crafting clear emails, delivering impactful presentations, or engaging in meaningful conversations, these skills are indispensable across all career paths. Another skill that will become crucial is learning to interact with AI through conversational prompts. This ability to communicate effectively with AI not only enhances your productivity but also opens up new avenues for leveraging technology in innovative ways.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
William Luse PhD.: Begin with two strategies to maximize your salary: negotiation and openness. First, become an informed negotiator by researching compensation trends and the value of specific skills in your field. This preparation is essential long before actual salary discussions occur, and often pays off immensely. Second, embrace opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone. By engaging in new experiences, you not only gain valuable skills but also build relationships that are crucial for sustainable career advancement and higher compensation.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Operations Analyst?
Zheni Wang Ph.D.: Being an intrapreneur is the way to maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Zheni Wang Ph.D.: I think the most important and prevalent skill in the field in the next 3-5 years is unlearning and learning continuously. We are living in an era of change now. Having a degree in business shows your ability to learn. But the best competitiveness you can reserve for yourself is to unlearn what others have done (i.e., the case studies and benchmarks you’ve been given in the classroom) and learn to create new standards and solutions when facing constant changes in the business world. By doing so, you can create values for others to remain successful.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Operations Analyst?
Victor Menaldo: Learn, learn and learn some more. Adopt a growth mindset where you never stop learning. Gain economic literacy and financial literacy and historical literacy and statistical literacy. This will allow you to complement AI: ask it good questions, contextualize and evaluate its answers, and ask good follow up questions.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Victor Menaldo: Interacting with AI and knowing how to best exploit it to get the most out of it: increase productivity and value added in whatever field one is in.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Victor Menaldo: Develop oral communication skills that allow you to speak in an articulate manner and organize your thoughts to signal your competence, knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning and improving.
What Senior Operations Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: There are two sets of skills I will highly encourage graduates to proactively start building. Firstly, business graduates need to develop higher-order skills and capabilities like knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These will help them to (a) constantly collect knowledge about emerging opportunities (and threats) in the industry, (b) mobilize themselves and their resources to bring identified opportunities into fruition, and (c) constantly renew their skills to effectively respond to the changes in the environment. Developing such knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will automatically prepare them for the different waves of skill set requirements that will keep arising in the job market. Secondly, it is no secret that we are living in the times of artificial intelligence and automation. So, in this day and age, it is extremely important that graduates learn to ride the wave of automation rather than being discouraged by it. Business graduates are set to contribute to the world with their business acumen and expertise, what they can do to complement it is to develop low-code, no-code skills. Such skills will help graduates to automate routine processes so that their time and energies can be strategically channelized towards those activities and processes that can add significant value to their organizations.
What will help Senior Operations Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: For a fresh graduate, the real world can at first appear to be somewhat fuzzy. So, my advice is to step into their career with a mindset that allows them to be open to learning. It would also be extremely beneficial for young professionals to consider each encounter with their colleagues as well as early touchpoints with clients as an opportunity to enhance their repertoire of knowledge. For that matter, networking is highly important, especially at the onset of the career. So, dear graduates, please take time to network. Find a mentor, from a peer support group, and build a webwork of collaborators. Once you find or form a community of bright minds with whom you feel you belong, you will find it easier to start working smart which will help you to seize each day while making a difference every day.