Budget analysts
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$87,930
~$42/hr · ~$7,328/mo
US Jobs
50K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
8/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 8/10
Budget analysts perform work that is almost entirely digital, involving data analysis, financial modeling, and report writing—all areas where AI is highly capable. While the role requires human negotiation and communication with stakeholders, the core tasks of consolidating budgets, identifying discrepancies, and performing cost-benefit analyses are highly susceptible to automation and significant productivity gains through AI.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CABEST VALUE | $141,590 | Above avg (113.1) | $125,235 |
| Huntsville, AL | $109,050 | Below avg (93.8) | $116,247 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $103,040 | Below avg (89.2) | $115,564 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $121,890 | Above avg (109.5) | $111,271 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $125,170 | Above avg (117.6) | $106,481 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $96,780 | Below avg (91.9) | $105,363 |
| Topeka, KS | $89,250 | Below avg (85.8) | $103,974 |
| Boulder, CO | $104,550 | Average (100.6) | $103,912 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $87,270 | Below avg (85.0) | $102,685 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $92,750 | Below avg (91.2) | $101,651 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $93,160 | Below avg (92.4) | $100,848 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $103,530 | Average (102.7) | $100,788 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $100,550 | Average (100.5) | $100,069 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $91,830 | Below avg (93.0) | $98,714 |
| Columbus, OH | $93,140 | Below avg (94.6) | $98,425 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$42/hr
Monthly Income
~$7,328/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)