Budget analysts
SOC Code: 13-2031
Budget analysts carries a 42% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $87,930 and +1.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 50,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Budget analysts (SOC 13-2031) carries an AI exposure score of 42%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 50,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $87,930, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Budget analysts. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- 2. Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
- 3. Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- 4. Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
- 5. Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
- 6. Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
- 7. Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.
- 8. Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
- 9. Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives.
- 10. Testify before examining and fund-granting authorities, clarifying and promoting the proposed budgets.
Key Skills Required
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Management of Financial Resources
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Economics and Accounting
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Education and Training
- Personnel and Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Budget analysts?
Budget analysts has an AI exposure score of 42%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Budget analysts?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Budget analysts is projected to grow by 1.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 50,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Budget analysts?
Key skills for Budget analysts include Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Budget analysts earn?
The median annual wage for Budget analysts is $87,930, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Budget analysts?
The typical entry-level education for Budget analysts is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Budget analysts?
Budget analysts roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).