Budget Analysts
SOC code 13-2031 · O*NET-SOC 13-2031.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Business and finance
Budget Analysts pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$91,640
a year
Hourly
$44.06
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$96,370
$46.33 per hour
Middle 50%
$75,320 – $114,220
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$62,250 – $136,660
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
47,160
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $62,250
- $29.93/hr
- 25th percentile
- $75,320
- $36.21/hr
- Median percentile
- $91,640
- $44.06/hr
- 75th percentile
- $114,220
- $54.91/hr
- 90th percentile
- $136,660
- $65.70/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+1%
Growing about as fast as average
50,400
jobs in 2024
51,000
projected for 2034
About 600 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a budget analyst do?
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
- Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
- Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
- Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
- Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.
- Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
How to become a budget analyst
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 77% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree77%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)13%
- Master's Degree8%
- Some College Courses2%
Common questions
How much does a budget analyst earn?
The national median is $91,640 a year. The full range runs from $62,250 at the 10th percentile to $136,660 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a budget analyst without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is budget analyst in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 1% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.9/5
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Economics and Accounting4.4/5
- Mathematics4.0/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Administration and Management3.7/5
- Administrative3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
- Law and Government2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Management of Financial Resources.