What does a budget analyst do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Budget analysts help public and private organizations plan their finances, prepare budget reports and monitor spending. A bachelor's degree is typical, and no license is required. BLS reports a median pay of $91,640 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-2031 |
| O*NET code | 13-2031.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $91,640 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 2 percent (slower than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 50,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a budget analyst do?
BLS says budget analysts work with program and project managers to develop the organization's budget, check proposals and funding requests for accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations, combine department budgets into one, explain funding requests to staff, legislators and the public, monitor spending to keep it within budget and estimate future financial needs.
Work environment
Budget analysts work in government agencies, private companies and universities, and most work full time. The federal government employs 26 percent, educational services 15 percent, state government 13 percent and local government 11 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a bachelor's degree in business, social science, psychology or mathematics is typical. Some employers prefer a master's degree, and coursework in accounting, economics and statistics helps. Licenses are not required, and professional certification is optional.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical skills, communication, attention to detail, math skills and writing skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a budget analyst make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $91,640 for budget analysts (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of budget analysts to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels slower than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 2,900 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Public sector roles are common, so watch federal, state and local government job boards.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Accountants and auditors, Financial analysts, Financial managers, Cost estimators, Management analysts.
Frequently asked questions
Where do budget analysts work? BLS says the largest employers are the federal government (26 percent), educational services (15 percent), state government (13 percent) and local government (11 percent).
Do budget analysts need certification? No. BLS says licenses and certifications are not required, though professional certification is optional and may aid advancement.
How much do budget analysts make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $91,640 for budget analysts (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is budget analyst a good career? BLS projects 2 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (slower than average). About 2,900 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does an Accountant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- Financial Analyst: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does a Financial Manager Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Cost Estimator Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Budget analysts: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-2031.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2031.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.