What is a Budget Analyst?

Articles > Business >��What is a budget analyst?

This article was updated on May 22, 2026.

Reviewed by��Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,��Dean, College of Business and IT

A budget analyst wearing glasses, holding a pen and notebook, with dollar signs coming from it.

Budget analysts play an integral role in the financial aspects of a business or organization. They work hand-in-hand with department heads, project managers and other decision-makers to plan the overall company budget and allocate funding. They might also assess current processes and purchasing practices to find areas for financial improvement. Here's a closer look

Is a budget analyst all about math?

Budget analysts often come from��a math background, with many��choosing a degree in accounting or finance.��In addition to math and��analytical skills, the profession requires��strong communication to work closely with management to be able to convey analyses��in writing and in visual and oral presentations.

A career in budget analysis goes well beyond crunching numbers and using budgeting principles, though. This career is a good option for people who want to apply a range of skills and collaborate.

How to become a budget analyst

Those interested in this career will need a specific skill set, professional experience in each particular sector of choice, and a degree. Here is a closer look at these requirements.

Earn a degree

The first step along this career path is to��earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s in math, accounting, business or social science can is the typically qualification for an entry-level job. Choose a business, finance or accounting degree to have a stronger understanding of the different types of financial functions of a company or organization.

Budget analyses findings can affect the strategic direction of a company or the standing of a government agency. Because of the importance of this role, some employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree. Ideally, a master’s degree in accounting, economics or statistics will provide a thorough understanding of an organization’s financial requirements.

Gain professional experience

Employers in many sectors prefer applicants with experience. In some sectors, competition for lucrative positions is high, and those with experience may have a better chance of securing interviews or open positions.

Internships during a bachelor’s degree program can help with real-world experience, and some small businesses and nonprofits may hire recent graduates and provide a setting for them to gain valuable on-the-job experience.

Some federal agencies hire analysts with limited experience for entry-level duties, allowing them to move into higher positions as they gain experience.��

Earn certifications

Professional certification isn’t typically required for a budget analyst position. However, there’s a specific certification that may improve employment prospects for those interested in working on public sector budgets.

A Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification** is available for those who want to work with federal, state or local government agencies. This certification,��, involves sitting for three exams that measure understanding of government accounting, auditing and financial policies. A bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience is required to qualify for the exams.

**91��Ƭ�� does not educationally prepare individuals to sit for CPA exams.

Explore career opportunities

Those committed to a career in budget analysis can show employers that they have a solid understanding of how the different aspects of a business or organization work and their financial requirements.

Certain types of private companies are likely to hire these analysts. Applicants can apply with large corporations, including in the energy, hospitality and transportation support services sectors.

When applying for these jobs, it’s recommended to highlight experience, including internships, during a degree program. This real-world experience can help distinguish candidates from others who lack professional experience.

Some smaller companies and nonprofit organizations may offer entry-level positions for those looking to gain experience. In the government sector, local governments may offer entry-level jobs, as well.

is the official job search portal for government employment. Though these are federal agencies, the jobs are not necessarily Washington D.C.-based.��

Salary and job outlook

In May 2024, budget analysts earned . The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS ) projects��demand for budget analysts��will from 2024 to 2034.�� BLS data shows this translates to��3,100 job openings projected each year.

Salary information is based on BLS.gov statistics as of May 2024. Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 91��Ƭ��. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 91��Ƭ�� does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. Job growth is from BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2024-2034 and reflects national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 91��Ƭ�� students or graduates

Career considerations

This career could be right for someone who wants a job that requires them to apply technical knowledge of business and finance in real-world settings. Candidates also need to be comfortable communicating with others both orally and in writing.

Candidates should also consider where they will find employment when��choosing a career. Jobs are available in the private sector. However, many budget analyst opportunities are with government employers. Therefore, candidates should be comfortable with the idea of working in the public sector or with foundations or nonprofits.

This career could also be right for candidates who are detail-oriented and have the ability to find important information in ledgers, balance sheets and financial reports. For those looking for a finance-related job that goes beyond bookkeeping and creating balance sheets, a budget analyst career might be a fit.

Education for careers related to budget analysts

91��Ƭ�� does not have a program that guarantees it aligns with requirements to become a budget analyst. However, if you’re interested in business, finance or accounting, there are online bachelor's program options to consider:

Curious to learn more? Contact 91��Ƭ��.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 91��Ƭ�� where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,��Kathryn Uhles has served 91��Ƭ�� in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 91��Ƭ��, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in 91��Ƭ��.