Budget Analysts
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Also called: Budget Analyst · Budget and Policy Analyst · Budget Coordinator · Budget Officer · Budget Planning Analyst · Cost Analyst
Median pay (national)
$87,930
$60,510–$134,640 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
47,170
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+1%
~3,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for budget analysts shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $134,640 versus $60,510 at the bottom 10% — 2.2x. The median of $87,930 leaves roughly 53% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +1% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 3,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 53 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $117,960, +34% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $48,380 — a 144% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook as in-demand technologies for this role.
Tailor your resume to Budget Analysts
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Budget Analysts
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
- Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
- Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
- Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.
- Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.
- Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Power BI
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Structured query language SQL
- Adaptive Planning
- Budget monitoring systems
- Budgeting, forecasting, and planning software
- Business Objects Data Integrator
- Business performance management BPM software
- Deltek Costpoint
Knowledge areas
- Economics and Accounting
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government