Budget Analysts
Budget analysts review financial estimates and accounting reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations. They work in government agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and other organizations that manage substantial budgets. The role involves detailed examination of financial documents and analytical problem-solving.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against budget analysts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Budget analysts spend time reviewing budget proposals, comparing estimates against actual spending, and identifying discrepancies. They prepare reports highlighting variances and recommend adjustments. Work includes meeting with department managers to discuss financial performance, updating spreadsheets and financial systems, and documenting their findings. Tasks vary based on budget cycles, with heavier workloads during planning and review periods.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy systematic, detail-oriented work and find satisfaction in making processes run smoothly and efficiently. You're comfortable with numbers and rules, and you're driven to improve how organizations operate and make strategic decisions based on solid financial information.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- BUDGET ANALYST (T5) · Army National Guard Units · Montgomery, Alabama · $61722–$80243
- Budget Analyst -TCF Intern · Veterans Health Administration · Charleston, South Carolina · $50460–$65599
- Budget Analyst · Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, North Carolina · $64453–$101383
- Budget Analyst · Veterans Health Administration · Iowa City, Iowa · $74678–$97087
- Budget Analyst · Office of the Secretary of Defense · Scott AFB, Illinois · $121785–$158322
- Budget Analyst · U.S. Army Forces Command · Fort Rucker, Alabama · $74678–$97087
- Supervisory Budget Analyst · U.S. Coast Guard · Glen Burnie, Maryland · $143913–$187093
- Budget Analyst · National Park Service · Springdale, Utah · $50460–$65599
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $101,400 | $124,590 | $144,680 | 1,490 |
| Maryland | $83,820 | $106,020 | $133,220 | 2,490 |
| Virginia | $84,590 | $105,470 | $133,490 | 2,730 |
| California | $80,860 | $99,520 | $129,140 | 4,160 |
| Alabama | $76,400 | $99,490 | $124,380 | 870 |
| Colorado | $81,270 | $97,100 | $115,000 | 1,290 |
| Washington | $79,740 | $96,640 | $129,480 | 1,510 |
| Michigan | $79,190 | $96,430 | $134,900 | 1,020 |
| New Jersey | $81,500 | $96,250 | $117,420 | 840 |
| Connecticut | $81,040 | $95,440 | $111,830 | 970 |
| Oregon | $77,320 | $95,250 | $113,240 | 1,090 |
| Illinois | $73,320 | $94,880 | $112,260 | 750 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP) — CertNexus
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against budget analysts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.