Budget Analysts
Budget analysts help public and private organizations plan their finances.
Is budget analysts a good career?
It scores 18/100 and ranks #382 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($91,640 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+1.0%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What budget analysts earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. budget analysts earn between $75,320 and $114,220 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live budget analysts jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Budget analysts typically need at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as business, social science, psychology, or mathematics. Because developing a budget requires numeracy and analytical skills, coursework in accounting, economics, and statistics is helpful.
Sometimes, budget- or finance-related work experience may be substituted for formal education.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although not required, some budget analysts choose to earn professional certification, which may help with career advancement.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Budget analysts must be able to process a variety of information, evaluate costs and benefits, and solve complex problems.
Communication skills. Budget analysts must be able to explain and defend their analyses and recommendations in meetings and legislative committee hearings.
Detail oriented. Creating an efficient budget requires careful analysis of each budget item.
Math skills. Budget analysts need math skills and the ability to use financial-management software and programs.
Writing skills. Budget analysts must present written technical information in a way that is understandable to the intended audience.
Related occupations
How much do budget analysts make?
The national median wage is $91,640 a year, with the middle half earning between $75,320 and $114,220 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is budget analysts a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 18 of 100 and ranks #382 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +1.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a budget analyst?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do budget analysts earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($124,590). Local pay for every state and metro is below.