Budget Analyst Job Description

Accountability and precision are crucial elements of publicly funded projects. Whether a budget analyst is helping a city assess the cost of upgrading its infrastructure or guiding a state agency through a funding request review, these professionals behind the spreadsheets provide insights that help elected leaders make financially sound decisions. 

Many of these public sector workers begin their career by studying the structure and priorities of city, state, and federal governments before working directly for those entities. Since budget analysts’ responsibilities go far beyond crunching numbers, a budget analyst job description includes tasks that are both complex and demanding. 

Budget analysts help shape how public sector organizations complete projects that improve the quality of life for nearby residents while ensuring that those projects stay within their budget. 

What Does a Budget Analyst Do in the Public Sector?

Budget analysts play a key role in overseeing how municipalities and government agencies manage their spending. They are commonly tasked with maintaining records and generating reports that analyze program data and requests for funding allocations. They may also evaluate individual programs to determine whether their funds should be allocated elsewhere. Budget analysts’ other tasks may include:

• Reviewing funding proposals
• Estimating project costs
• Monitoring spending
• Identifying trends or budget problems

Public sector work is dynamic, requiring ongoing monitoring of spending and regular adjustments as projects evolve. Budget analysts often report to elected leaders or city administrators. Because money spent in the public sector comes from the taxpayers, the work these professionals perform must be accurate and reliable. 

Budget analysts must help ensure their agency remains in compliance with all state and federal regulations, and that its expenditures align with its policy goals. Beyond their internal financial planning tasks, budget analysts frequently need to meet with directors and department heads to discuss upcoming initiatives, clarify budget justifications, and refine resource requests. 

Budget analysts’ ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable strategies makes them essential to public organizations of all sizes.

Where Budget Analysts Work

Budget analysts work in the public sector at the local, state, and federal levels. They are employed by government agencies and governmental groups of various sizes. 

Public school systems, transportation departments, and health agencies are common employers of budget analysts. Certain nonprofits that manage large-scale public programs employ budget analysts as well. Other work settings for these professionals include universities and hospitals. 

While the work is typically office-based, the job often requires close collaboration with multiple stakeholders. A budget analyst job description would likely include requirements for strong communication skills and the ability to think critically and pragmatically — essential qualities for this critical public sector job. 

Budget Analyst Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary for budget analysts was $87,930 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for budget analysts remains strong. The BLS projects the number of jobs for budget analysts will grow 4% between 2023 and 2033, and about 3,400 job openings will be available each year during that period. 

How Education Shapes a Budget Analyst’s Career

Behind every successful budget analyst is a solid foundation in public sector principles, data interpretation, and policy strategy. Most professionals in this role hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, economics, or a related field. Some may have a master’s degree in public administration or a related field.

Courses in budgeting, organizational theory, ethics in government, and intergovernmental relations are particularly useful to aspiring budget analysts. These courses help analysts understand how public agencies operate, how to evaluate competing funding requests, and how to ensure compliance with financial regulations. 

Beyond academic knowledge, obtaining practical experience is essential. Many degree programs include an internship or field study that allows students to apply classroom lessons in real-world situations. Job applicants who bring a combination of theoretical learning and hands-on training are better prepared to make informed decisions, manage public funds efficiently, and communicate with department heads effectively. 

Launch Your Budget Analyst Career With an Online Degree From CSUN

The online Bachelor of Arts in Public Sector Management program at California State University, Northridge, Tseng College is designed for working adults ready to advance in their career. This 60-unit degree-completion program helps students strengthen key skills used by budget analysts every day, such as skills in fiscal management, problem-solving, leadership, and communication. 

The program is designed for those with at least 60 transferable units, and can be completed in just two and a half years. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum draws from CSUN’s business, communication, and social science colleges. Courses are taught by both university faculty and experienced public sector professionals. This approach to faculty staffing helps equip students with a well-rounded foundation in leadership, policy, and fiscal management. 

In the final stages of the program, students complete an internship or field study within a public sector agency where they apply the lessons they’ve learned in a real-world setting. For students who are already working in the public sector, these field studies allow them to gain a greater comprehension of the workings of a government agency.   

Whether you’re aiming for a new role or career growth, CSUN’s flexible online program format can help you take control of your future without putting your life on hold. Apply now and take the next step toward a rewarding career in the public sector.