Budget Analyst Salary
by City (2026)
Develop budget proposals and analyze spending to help organizations manage finances. National median: $82K/year. See how your city compares.
Budget Analyst salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $82K Budget Analyst salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βBudget Analyst Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Budget Analyst is $82,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $62,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $104,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Budget Analysts nationally earn $130,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Finance, Economics, or Accounting. This role is 45% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Budget Analyst compensation is growing at 2.5% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Budget Analyst salary FAQ
How much does a Budget Analyst make?
The median Budget Analyst salary in the US is $82,000 per year β about $39/hour. Most earn between $62,000 (25th percentile) and $104,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Budget Analyst?
Entry-level Budget Analyst positions typically start around $62,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Budget Analysts earn?
The top 10% of Budget Analysts earn $130,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Budget Analysts the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Budget Analyst salary at $123K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Budget Analyst salaries going up?
Yes β Budget Analyst pay is growing about 2.5% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.