Budget Analyst Salary in 2026
Help organizations plan spending by preparing budget reports and monitoring expenditures.
Median Salary
$91,640
$7,637/mo
Entry Level
$64,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$120,700
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Budget Analysts (SOC 13-2031) at a national median of $91,640 per year (mean $96,370), or $44.06 per hour, with 47,160 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
47K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Finance
Hourly Rate
$44.06/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,637
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
$102,000
$8,500/month · $3,923/biweekly · $49.04/hr
Budget Analyst Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Budget Analyst field.
Entry-level Budget Analysts earn around $64,800, while the top 10% earn $131,850 or more.
Top Paying States for Budget Analysts
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $108,000 | +$16,360 |
| New York | $105,000 | +$13,360 |
| Maryland | $99,000 | +$7,360 |
| Virginia | $97,000 | +$5,360 |
| Texas | $90,000 | $-1,640 |
Top Paying Cities for Budget Analysts
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $115,000 | +$23,360 |
| New York | $108,000 | +$16,360 |
| Washington DC | $105,000 | +$13,360 |
| Baltimore | $95,000 | +$3,360 |
| Dallas | $92,000 | +$360 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Budget Analyst Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Budget Analyst from entry level to expert.
$64,800
0-2 years
$93,000
3-7 years
$120,700
8-14 years
$143,000
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 $91,640 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Budget Analysts (SOC 13-2031); the mean is $96,370. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $64,800, senior professionals around $120,700, and top earners at $143,000 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 47K 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 $97,000. 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 $64,800 to $120,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Budget Analyst Salary
How we calculate Budget Analyst salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Budget Analysts (SOC 13-2031), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $91,640, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Budget Analysts; BLS mean $96,370; BLS hourly median $44.06.
- Entry-level ($64,800) and senior-level ($120,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +3% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 47,160 Budget Analysts jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Finance sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $91,640; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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