What Do Budget Analyst Do?
Budget Analyst Job Description Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
A Day in the Life of a Budget Analyst
- Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
- Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
- Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.
- Testify before examining and fund-granting authorities, clarifying and promoting the proposed budgets.
- Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Budget Analyst?
When polled, Budget Analysts say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Budget Analyst Job Titles
- Budget Engineer
- Analyst
- Cost Analyst
- Fiscal Officer
- Policy Analyst
Job Opportunities for Budget Analysts
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. There will be an estimated 4,800 positions for Budget Analyst per year.

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.
How Much Does a Budget Analyst Make?
The typical yearly salary for Budget Analysts is somewhere between $49,860 and $116,300.

Budget Analysts who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Budget Analysts make in different U.S. states?
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 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?
Individuals working as a Budget Analyst have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Budget Analysts Are Employed

Budget Analysts work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Budget Analyst may also be interested in:
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Logistics Analysts
- Credit Analysts
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Are you already one of the many Budget Analyst in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
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