Budget Analyst Salary in 2026
Help organizations plan spending by preparing budget reports and monitoring expenditures.
Median Salary
$82,000
$6,833/mo
Entry Level
$58,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$108,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Budget Analyst Overview
Help organizations plan spending by preparing budget reports and monitoring expenditures.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Finance
Total Jobs (US)
60K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$39.42/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,833
Budget Analyst Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Budget Analyst salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Budget Analyst Salary
$91,000
$7,583/month · $3,500/biweekly · $43.75/hr
Budget Analyst Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Budget Analyst field.
Entry-level Budget Analysts earn around $58,000, while the top 10% earn $118,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Budget Analysts
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $94,000 | +$12,000 |
| Maryland | $89,000 | +$7,000 |
| Virginia | $87,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $80,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Budget Analysts
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $103,000 | +$21,000 |
| New York | $97,000 | +$15,000 |
| Washington DC | $94,000 | +$12,000 |
| Baltimore | $85,000 | +$3,000 |
| Dallas | $82,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Budget Analyst Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Budget Analyst from entry level to expert.
$58,000
0-2 years
$83,000
3-7 years
$108,000
8-14 years
$128,000
15+ years
Related Finance Jobs
Budget Analyst Salary FAQ
How much does a Budget Analyst make in 2026?
The median salary for a Budget Analyst in the United States is $82,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $58,000, while senior professionals earn up to $108,000. Top earners in the field can make $128,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Budget Analyst?
A Budget Analyst typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Budget Planning, Excel, Financial Modeling. Relevant certifications such as CGFM Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Budget Analysts?
The job market for Budget Analysts is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 60K Budget Analyst positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Budget Analysts the most?
The highest-paying states for Budget Analysts include Virginia, California, New York. In Virginia, the median salary is approximately $87,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Budget Analyst salary?
To increase your Budget Analyst salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Budget Planning and Excel. Pursue certifications such as CGFM Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Washington DC. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $58,000 to $108,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Budget Analyst Salary
How we calculate Budget Analyst salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $82,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Budget Analyst in the Finance sector.
- Entry-level ($58,000) and senior-level ($108,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 60K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Finance sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $82,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Budget Analyst compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Budget Analyst job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Finance
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Budget Analyst salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Budget Planning, Excel, Financial Modeling), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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