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AI exposure Computer and mathematical

Will AI replace operations research analysts?

Operations Research Analysts. US occupation 15-2031.

42.9%

of the time operations research analysts spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of operations research analysts' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.

Ranked 29 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 96% of them.Further along than 96% of them.

Average US job 7.7%

One of the most exposed jobs in the country.Front of the queue for an AI assistant.

What AI already does for operations research analystsWhat operations research analysts no longer do alone

O*NET lists 16 tasks for operations research analysts. AI use at work shows up in 6 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.

  1. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.Core task mostly automated 0.92
  2. Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.Core task mostly automated 0.88
  3. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.Core task automated and assisted 0.77
  4. Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.Core task automated and assisted 0.76
  5. Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.Core task automated and assisted 0.76
  6. Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.Core task automated and assisted 0.67

What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human

10 of the 16 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.

  • Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.Core task
  • Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.Core task
  • Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.Core task
  • Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.Core task
  • Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.Core task
  • Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.Core task
Show the other 4
  • Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.Core task
  • Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.Core task
  • Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.Core task
  • Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.Core task

How that compares

Among the 21 computer and mathematical occupations, operations research analysts rank 9. The group averages 37.9%, and its most exposed job is Computer Programmers at 74.5%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.

All 756 occupations, ranked

Just above in the ranking

  1. 26Survey Researchers 43.2%
  2. 27Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 43.1%
  3. 28Interpreters and Translators 43.0%

Just below

  1. 30Mathematicians 42.4%
  2. 31Curators 41.2%
  3. 32Tutors 40.8%

What this does and does not mean

Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.

A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.

Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.