51ĀŅĀ×

A budget analyst career can be a rewarding choice for a public administration graduate. The field offers job stability, excellent benefits, and meaningful work. Whatā€™s more, the demand for budget analysts is expected to grow by four percent between 2023 and 2033, resulting in about 3,400 new openings for budget analysts each year over the decade. About 26 percent of U.S. budget analysts are employed by the federal government, with another 12 percent working at the state government level and 10 percent working in local government.¹

What is a Budget Analyst?

The budget analyst job description depends on where you work and where you are in your career. In short, budget analysts help organizations plan and review their finances. They advise organizations about their financial status and prepare reports to communicate their findings. They analyze data, provide insight into the costs and benefits of programs, evaluate results, and recommend funding levels.¹

What Does a Budget Analyst Do for the Government?

The role of government budget analysts might vary from that of budget analysts in the private sector. In government roles specifically, budget analysts are responsible for managing taxpayer money and helping agencies spend efficiently while meeting their financial goals. They ensure budgets and spending comply with laws and regulations while working within rigid timelines and deadlines.

Explore some more of the job duties and necessary skills of budget analysts in public sector roles below.

Daily Responsibilities of Budget Analysts:

Some daily responsibilities include:²

• Reviewing annual budgets for viability and compliance
• Analyzing proposals and new project plans  
• Approving funding requests and making recommendations
• Monitoring organizational spending
• Preparing budget reports and forecasts
• Presenting findings to stakeholders like legislators and committees 

State and Federal Government Tasks:

Some unique responsibilities related to the government could include:²

• Attending legislative hearings
• Drafting budget-related legislation
• Evaluating program effectiveness
• Providing policy analysis
• Coordinating with various government departments 

Advance Your Local Government Career!

Explore OHIO's MPA Programs

Skills Needed to Become a Budget Analyst

Degrees like the Master of Public Administration (MPA) at 51ĀŅĀ× can prepare you with the skills you need to become a budget analyst. The MPA program at OHIO features an optional State and Local Management concentration, including the Financial Management in Government course. The program also features core courses, including Public Budgeting, Measuring Outcomes in Public and Non-Profit Organizations, and Public Sector Program Evaluation.  

Those classes and more can equip you with the skills listed below. 

Core Competencies: 

• Financial analysis and modeling
• Budget formulation and execution
• Regulatory compliance
• Data analysis and reporting
• Communication and presentation 

Technical Skills Required:³

• Financial management systems
• Excel and database management
• Budget software ability
• Statistical analysis tools 

Soft Skills:³ 

• Analytical thinking
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving abilities
• Time management 

What Education Do You Need to Be a Government Budget Analyst? 

While most government budget analysts need at minimum a bachelorā€™s degree, having an MPA not only provides significant advantages but also turns out to be vital for upper-level roles that require a graduate degree.   

Bachelorā€™s Degree Requirements:

A bachelorā€™s degree in fields like business, social science, psychology, or mathematics is a good place to start. Coursework in accounting, economics, and statistics can be helpful.¹ 

Masterā€™s Degree Advantages:

A masterā€™s degree is a wise choice to take your career to the next level and apply to management and leadership positions. In a masterā€™s degree program, youā€™ll explore case studies, network with government professionals, and prepare yourself for in-demand roles. Many organizations prefer candidates who hold a masterā€™s degree.  

One hundred percent online programs, like 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s MPA program, or a hybrid program like the Executive MPA, allow you to continue to work while earning your graduate degree.  

Experienced faculty in graduate programs can bring a lot of real-world experience to the classroom, helping you prepare for the everyday challenges of government work. "I can draw from my education and workplace experiences to help students understand the role of human resources in government policy,ā€ said Gary Allan, OHIO MPA faculty.  

Additional Helpful Certifications: 

Analysts working in the federal, state, and local government may benefit from a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). To earn the certification, you must hold a bachelorā€™s degree.¹

Career Outlook for a Budget Analyst 

With the demand for budget analysts on the rise, the job outlook is good. Explore the salary data related to budget analysts.  

Make an Impact on Your Local Government as a Budget Analyst

As you work to take the next step in your career,ā€ÆOHIOā€™s MPA programs combine rigorous coursework with the flexibility of online learning to equip you with the skills to excel as a pioneering, influential and actionable leader.

At OHIO, you can choose from three MPA options: 

• Online Master of Public Administration: The online MPA features a comprehensive curriculum and the chance to tailor your education. Choose from one of three in-demand concentrations. You may also choose to complete a project management certificate alongside your coursework.  
• Executive Master of Public Administration: Designed for professionals with at least three years of work experience, the Executive MPA provides the knowledge you need to advance into leadership roles.  
• One-Year Master of Public Administration: The campus-based Master of Public Administration program combines theory and in-person development for those who seek career experience.ā€Æ

Throughout your program, youā€™ll engage with expert faculty who bring their years of real-world MPA experience to the classroom. OHIO also offers veteran support to those who have served in the armed forces. Start your journey with an OHIO MPA program today. 

Sources

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.ā€ÆOccupational Outlook Handbook, Budget Analysts. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from  
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2. Federal Government Jobs, Budget Analyst (GS-0560): Working for the Federal Government. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from .
3. Accounting.com. What Does a Budget Analyst Do? Retrieved July 29, 2025, from .
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from . 

Related Resources

• Top Careers in Public Administration
• How to Become a City Manager
• Nonprofit Management Careers With an 51ĀŅĀ× MPA
• Success In Action: Applying OHIOā€™s Executive MPA Skills Worldwide

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