Budget Analysts

13-2031.00 Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation Needed

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

Also known as: Budget Administrator (Budget Admin), Budget Analyst, Budget and Policy Analyst, Budget Coordinator, Budget Engineer, Budget Examiner, Budget Management Analyst, Budget Officer, ...

Annual Salary

$87,930

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$72,240 25th – 75th percentile $110,380
10th percentile $60,510
90th percentile $134,640
U.S. Employment: 47,170

Job Outlook

+1%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)

Annual Job Openings 3,100 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Bachelor's degree

What You'd Do

  • Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
  • Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
  • Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.
  • Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.
  • Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
  • Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
  • Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.
  • Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
  • Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
  • Perform cost-benefit analyses to compare operating programs, review financial requests, or explore alternative financing methods.

Top Skills

Mathematics 3.9
Critical Thinking 3.9
Reading Comprehension 3.8
Active Listening 3.8
Speaking 3.8
Judgment and Decision Making 3.8
Complex Problem Solving 3.8
Management of Financial Resources 3.4

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Economics and Accounting 4.4
Mathematics 4.0
English Language 3.9
Administration and Management 3.7
Administrative 3.4
Computers and Electronics 3.4
Customer and Personal Service 3.3
Law and Government 2.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Bachelor's
77.5%
High School
12.6%
Master's
7.6%
Some College
2.4%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Power BI Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft SharePoint Microsoft Visual Basic Microsoft Word SAP software Structured query language SQL

Other Tools

Accounting software Adaptive Planning Budget monitoring systems Budgeting, forecasting, and planning software Business Objects Data Integrator Business performance management BPM software Deltek Costpoint Email software Enterprise resource planning ERP software Everest Software Advanced Extensity MPC Financial reporting software FRx Software Microsoft Forecaster Fund accounting software Graphics software +4 more

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

3.0
Attention to Detail
2.7
Dependability
2.4
Integrity
2.2
Cautiousness
2.0
Intellectual Curiosity
1.8
Achievement Orientation
1.4
Self-Confidence

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 3.9
Written Comprehension 3.9
Oral Expression 3.9
Number Facility 3.9
Mathematical Reasoning 3.9
Problem Sensitivity 3.8
Deductive Reasoning 3.8
Information Ordering 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Working with Computers 4.5
Getting Information 4.5
Processing Information 4.4
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.2
Analyzing Data or Information 4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 3.8
Documenting/Recording Information 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

E-Mail
5.0
Spend Time Sitting
4.8
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.7
Telephone Conversations
4.6
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
4.6
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.6
Frequency of Decision Making
4.6
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.5
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
4.5
Contact With Others
4.4
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.3
Time Pressure
4.3

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.