Budget Analysts
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Also called: Budget Administrator (Budget Admin), Budget Analyst, Budget and Policy Analyst, Budget Coordinator, Budget Engineer, Budget Examiner
Median pay
$91,640
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$62,250 – $136,660
People employed
47,160
Holland code
CEI
Conventional · Enterprising · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 7.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 8.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Budget Analysts pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What budget analysts do
- 01Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- 02Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
- 03Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- 04Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
- 05Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
- 06Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Economics and Accounting
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from budget analysts
- Treasurers and Controllers94% · group pay
- Financial Managers88% · +82%
- Compensation and Benefits Managers86% · +63%
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists85% · −15%
- Management Analysts83% · +11%
Change into budget analysts
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Treasurers and Controllers94% · $166,570
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists88% · $78,210
- Investment Fund Managers82% · $166,570
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents81% · $78,660
- Document Management Specialists79% · $116,580
Majors that lead here
- Accounting
- Accounting and Finance
- Finance, General
- Public Finance
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.