Operations Analyst: Job Description, Salary, Duties & More (2024)

The Ultimate Career Resource For Operations Analyst

The operations analyst career path has great potential.

These professionals are an integral part of company projects.

Currently, in the US, there are about 160,068 operations analysts.

This number will continuously increase over the decade due to the high job outlook.

So, if you want to enter this career path, you’re in the correct place.

Here is all that you need to know about this job.

Operations Analyst Information

Official Job Title	Operations Analyst
Average Salary	$72,512
Stress Level	Low
Work/Life	Average
Job Satisfaction	High
Career Advancement	High

Operations Analyst Job Description

Here is a comprehensive description of operations analyst jobs to give you a better insight:

What Is An Operations Analyst?

An operations analyst is an expert who solves internal company problems.

They also implement new and objective-focused strategies.

They typically identify the shortcomings of a project and improve it.

What Does An Operations Analyst Do On A Daily Basis?

Operations analysts start their day with meetings.

They have to show presentations and offer improvement suggestions daily.

This is because others depend on them for performance data.

Besides that, they spend their afternoon completing and looking at reports.

Typically, they set up dashboards for other members of the company too.

Other than that, they spend most of the day behind a computer.

Of course, these daily activities can differ from company to company.

Some organizations offer a greater role to their analysts.

Thus, depending on the position, they could be managing other operations too.

Responsibilities, Duties, & Roles Of An Operations Analyst?

Operations analysts have many responsibilities.

Their most important task is to identify functioning issues.

Not only that, but they have to discuss the problems with clients and other teams.

The primary role of an analyst is to improve the overall company efficiency.

That is why after finding the issues, it is their duty to resolve them.

For this reason, they conduct research occasionally.

Depending on the analysis and research, they deliver various presentations and reports.

Additionally, they have to interact with other teams to implement practical solutions.

Operations Analyst Salary

Below are the salaries of operations analysts in the US based on their career position:

Average Salary

The average salary of operations analysts is $72,512 per annum.

However, this figure varies depending on the region and organization.

For example, California cities offer relatively higher salaries.

Of course, it also depends on the demand for operations analysts in the region.

That is why always research your area’s average figure.

Starting Salary

The entry-level salary of analysts is $60,824 per annum. As you rise in the company, the average wage will increase.

Senior Salary

The salary of a senior position is $89,082 per annum.

How To Become An Operations Analyst

Here is what you require to know if you want to become an operations analyst:

The Entry Level: Certification, Training, & Degree

Typically to become an analyst, a bachelor’s degree is necessary for an entry-level job.

This should be in business administration, finance, or other relevant fields.

However, for higher positions, a master’s degree is preferable.

Besides that, certifications are not necessary.

However, they can help you stand out.

Not only that, but employers tend to lean toward a candidate with a solid background.

You can get authentic certifications from various services.

For example, companies prefer AWS and GCP certificates.

Other than that, you can join boot camps for training too.

Other Skill Sets, Requirements, And Qualifications

Many skills are necessary for this job.

Excellent thinking and analytic skills are a prerequisite.

After all, operations analysts deal with massive data each day.

Besides that, you should know how to use different computer programs.

Microsoft tools understanding is also essential.

You should also have sharp math skills, as you will need them at every career stage.

Additionally, good communication skills are necessary too for smooth operations.

Other than that, three years of experience as an analyst is essential to qualify for the job.

How Long Does It Take To Become An Operations Analyst?

It takes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Besides that, a master’s degree takes about 1.5 to 2 years.

Is It Hard To Become An Operations Analyst?

It is not difficult to become an operations analyst.

Of course, this is applicable if you have the right skills and grit.

Operations Analyst Career Paths

If you’re having second thoughts about this career path, worry no more.

Here are some facts that will help you make a decision:

The Operations Analyst Roadmap

The first step to becoming an operations analyst is to complete your education.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree will take four years from anywhere.

That is why you should work internships during this period.

If an internship turns into a paying job, you should take it.

It will allow you to gain the minimum qualifying experience.

After completing your bachelor’s, there will be two options.

You can get certifications and look for operations analyst jobs if you meet the requirements.

Besides that, you can opt for a master’s degree.

This typically takes 1.5 years.

After this, you can apply for senior positions too, if you have suitable qualifications.

Projections For Growth In Operations Analyst Jobs

The job growth projection in the US for operations analysts is 23% through 2031.

In Summary: Is Operations Analyst A Good Career?

Operations analysts earn well and have promising careers.

Additionally, career advancement in this sector is high if you show excellent skills and commitment.

So, it is a good career if you can survive the competition.

Working Conditions

Here are the typical working conditions of this job:

Can An Operations Analyst Work Remotely From Home?

Yes, operations analysts can work remotely from home.

However, not all companies offer this option.

Most employers provide an office job at the company headquarters.

When working from home, they have to manage and access data remotely.

This is not possible for some companies and clients.

That is why remote jobs are not preferable in this field.

How Many Hours Does An Operations Analyst Work?

An operations analyst works traditional business hours.

So typically, they work in the range of 5 to 9 hours each day.

The time depends on whether or not they work on weekends.

Can An Operations Analyst Work Part-Time?

Yes, an operations analyst can work part-time.

Of course, this depends from company to company.

But even when working part-time, they have to be available on the phone if any uncertain issue emerges.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of An Operations Analyst?

The average vacation days vary for each organization.

But typically, operations analysts get 15 days of vacation.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to an Operations Analyst

Resume Tips

Do you not know how to write job-centric resumes?

If so, here are some tips that will help you:

Add specific skills in detail relevant to an analyst job
Quantify your accomplishments using data
Mention research and analytics experience too
Add all the certifications pertinent to the job
Make sure to mention all the training you’ve done for this career path
Use relevant keywords to filter the content and for easy readability

By following these tips, you can easily impress the employer.

Thus, the chances of landing the job will be higher.

Interview Questions

As an employer, here are the critical questions you can ask in the job interview:

Q1: Describe the analytical tools you use for the evaluation of operations.

Why it works: It will help you understand the ability of the applicant to use different tools.

You can also learn if they use suitable methods for analyzing data.

Q2: How do you implement new solutions processes?

Why it works: This will allow learning if the candidate has good leadership skills.

You will also gain insight into how they can train and encourage other team members.

Q3: Can you handle multiple projects and manage deadlines? If yes, then how?

Why it works: This question will help you learn if the candidate can work under pressure.

Not only that, but you can understand if they can manage time effectively.

Jobs Related To An Operations Analyst

Here are some jobs related to this field:

Data analyst
Data scientist
Business operations analyst
And much more

For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring An Operations Analyst

As an HR Manager, here are some tips that will assist you while hiring a suitable candidate:

Key Characteristics To Look For In An Operations Analyst

Here are the top things to look for in an operations analyst:

Ability to multitask and work in a limited time
Clear and concise communication skills
Understanding of Microsoft and other tools
Prior experience as an analyst
Understanding of statistical software

Minimum Level Of Education & Expertise

The minimum level of education necessary for this career path is a bachelor’s degree.

However, for individuals applying for senior positions master’s degree is highly preferable.

Besides that, a few years of professional experience as an analyst is necessary.