Budget Analyst Salary in 2026
How Much Do Budget Analysts Make?
Budget Analysts earn a median annual salary of $87,930 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $60,510 at the 10th percentile to $134,640 at the 90th percentile — a range of $74,130. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $117,960.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,510 |
| 25th percentile | $72,240 |
| Median (50th) | $87,930 |
| 75th percentile | $110,380 |
| 90th percentile | $134,640 |
Budget Analyst Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $117,960 |
| Virginia | $108,740 |
| California | $103,900 |
| Maryland | $101,420 |
| New Mexico | $99,590 |
| Alabama | $98,080 |
| Colorado | $96,680 |
| Oregon | $94,640 |
| Connecticut | $93,070 |
| New Jersey | $92,980 |
| Alaska | $92,870 |
| Michigan | $91,830 |
| Illinois | $91,140 |
| Hawaii | $90,750 |
| Rhode Island | $90,150 |
| Georgia | $89,810 |
| Vermont | $88,550 |
| Washington | $88,400 |
| Massachusetts | $88,270 |
| New Hampshire | $87,110 |
| Ohio | $86,460 |
| New York | $86,310 |
| Arizona | $85,880 |
| Tennessee | $83,740 |
| Iowa | $83,210 |
| Indiana | $83,090 |
| Nebraska | $83,010 |
| Maine | $82,830 |
| South Carolina | $82,080 |
| Minnesota | $81,900 |
| Kansas | $81,060 |
| Delaware | $80,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,580 |
| Utah | $80,420 |
| Florida | $79,880 |
| Texas | $79,450 |
| North Carolina | $79,210 |
| Wisconsin | $79,100 |
| Missouri | $78,790 |
| North Dakota | $77,940 |
| Nevada | $77,790 |
| Louisiana | $77,380 |
| Idaho | $76,990 |
| Oklahoma | $76,840 |
| West Virginia | $75,540 |
| Mississippi | $74,960 |
| Montana | $74,960 |
| South Dakota | $74,960 |
| Wyoming | $74,960 |
| Kentucky | $74,160 |
| Arkansas | $64,320 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Budget Analysts
Budget Analyst Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$60,510 – $72,240 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$87,930 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$110,380 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $134,640+ |
How to Earn More as a Budget Analyst
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Budget Analysts in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $141,590 — $53,660 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($110,380) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Budget Analyst Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Budget Analystthis career | $87,930 |
| Chief Executive | $206,420 |
| Fundraising Manager | $123,480 |
| Financial Manager | $161,700 |
| Treasurers and Controller | $161,700 |
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SOC: 13-2031.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.