Budget Analysts
O*NET 13-2031.00 · SOC 13-2031
Budget Analyst is a solid career choice. Median pay is $92k a year with +1.9% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Review department budget requests and recommend funding adjustments
- →Monitor agency spending throughout the year against approved budgets
- →Prepare annual budget documents and present them to leadership
- →Analyze cost trends to forecast future funding needs accurately
- →Identify budget variances and advise managers on corrective actions
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Budget Analyst roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Budget Analyst involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Budget Analyst?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Budget Analyst Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Budget Analysts is projected to grow 1.9% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Budget Analyst make?
The median Budget Analyst earns $92k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Budget Analyst jobs?
Our model puts Budget Analyst at 58 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 53% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory.
Is Budget Analyst a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 1.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Budget Analyst?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Budget Analyst roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Budget Analyst?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Budget Analyst career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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