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Budget Analyst

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What Does it Take to Be a Budget Analyst?

Budget Analyst Example Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

Life As a Budget Analyst

  • Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives.
  • Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
  • Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.
  • Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
  • Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
  • Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Budget Analyst?

These are the skills Budget Analysts say are the most useful in their careers:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Cost Accountant
  • Budget Examiner
  • Program Analyst
  • Staff Analyst
  • Budget Engineer

Budget Analyst Job Outlook

In the United States, there were 58,400 jobs for Budget Analyst in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,800 new jobs for Budget Analyst by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,800 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Budget Analyst are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Vermont, or New Hampshire. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Budget Analysts Salary

Budget Analysts make between $49,860 and $116,300 a year.

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Budget Analysts who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Budget Analysts make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $82,480
Alaska $79,650
Arizona $71,930
Arkansas $51,730
California $90,780
Colorado $83,060
Connecticut $82,880
Delaware $72,490
District of Columbia $100,510
Florida $73,270
Georgia $70,050
Hawaii $82,840
Idaho $66,950
Illinois $75,700
Indiana $69,840
Iowa $75,100
Kansas $68,440
Kentucky $57,310
Louisiana $67,710
Maine $73,100
Maryland $89,940
Massachusetts $85,320
Michigan $76,980
Minnesota $79,710
Mississippi $62,940
Missouri $69,220
Montana $62,740
Nebraska $59,350
Nevada $70,490
New Hampshire $75,710
New Jersey $83,710
New Mexico $76,880
New York $78,540
North Carolina $72,490
North Dakota $70,030
Ohio $74,770
Oklahoma $71,120
Oregon $74,970
Pennsylvania $73,220
Rhode Island $84,720
South Carolina $70,090
South Dakota $63,380
Tennessee $70,710
Texas $77,900
Utah $75,610
Vermont $70,500
Virginia $91,000
Washington $76,210
West Virginia $67,460
Wisconsin $72,380
Wyoming $68,630

What Tools & Technology do Budget Analysts Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Budget Analysts:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Sharepoint
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Graphics software
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
  • Statistical software
  • Fund accounting software
  • Presentation software

How do I Become a Budget Analyst?

Education needed to be a Budget Analyst:

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Budget Analyst?

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Who Employs Budget Analysts?

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Budget Analysts work in the following industries:

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Budget Analyst may also be interested in:

Those who work as a Budget Analyst sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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