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Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salary in the United States

How much does a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead in the United States is $114,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

However, a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $133,404
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $106,100 to $124,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,634
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View as table View as graph 25% $106,100 10% $98,634 90% $133,404 75% $124,300 $114,300 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $124,300 $10,358 $2,390 $60
Average $114,300 $9,525 $2,198 $55
25th Percentile $106,100 $8,842 $2,040 $51
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Key Factors That Influence Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salaries

A Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Budget Analyst, Experienced (2-4 years): $79,840
  • Budget Support Analyst III (4-7 years): $89,631
  • Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead (7+ years): $114,269
  • Budgeting Operations Supervisor (7+ years): $117,844
  • Budget Analysis Manager (7+ years): $132,576
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Budget Analyst, Experienced2-4 years$79,840
Budget Support Analyst III4-7 years$89,631
Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead7+ years$114,269
Budgeting Operations Supervisor7+ years$117,844
Budget Analysis Manager7+ years$132,576
$79,840 Budget An...
$89,631 Budget Su...
$114,269 Budget An...
$117,844 Budgeting...
$132,576 Budget An...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $126,600.
  • California: $126,100.
  • Massachusetts: $124,400.

Top Paying Cities for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Leads

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $144,200
  • San Francisco: $142,600
  • Oakland: $139,600

What Skills Can Increase a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 20.19% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Financial Statements (Mentioned in 1.5% Job Postings): Obtaining and creating formal records of business activities and cash flows to provide results for financial performance.
  • CPA (Mentioned in 1.03% Job Postings): A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 20.19%
Financial Statements 1.5%
CPA 1.03%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead's salary.
  • Financial Modeling: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Hyperion: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Financial Statements: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Financial Modeling
$132,588
16%
Hyperion
$132,588
16%
Financial Statements
$131,445
15%
Financial Planning
$131,445
15%
CPA
$130,302
14%
Tableau
$130,302
14%
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Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $127,952. While startup companies pay approximate $108,245.

Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$108,245
Growth Stage51~500$114,481
Established501~5000$123,561
Enterprise5000+$127,952

Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 39% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$142,875$69.025%
Pharmaceuticals$131,445$63.015%
Aerospace & Defense$126,873$61.011%
Internet$125,730$60.010%
Healthcare$123,444$59.08%

How Education impacts a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Leads enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead with a Bachelor's Degree is between $118,200 and $125,913).

Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.5%
High School 1.5%
Associates 3.0%
Bachelors 40.7%
Masters 53.3%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Budgeting Operations Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $117,900 - a projected growth of 3% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead

Salaries for a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,425 in 2023 to around $110,236 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$112,425
2024
$111,547
2025
$110,236
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $112,425
2024 $111,547
2025 $110,236
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead

Here are companies hiring for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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    CDL

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    Columbus, OH

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FAQ about Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the difference between a budget manager and a budget analyst?

A budget analyst focuses on analyzing budgeting and business practices, providing insights to a budget manager. The budget manager oversees the team and makes final decisions. In terms of compensation, budget analysts earn between $111,700 and $141,000, with a median salary of $125,200, reflecting their supportive yet crucial role in the budgeting process.

3. Is a budget analyst a stressful job?

Most budget analysts work full time, and overtime is sometimes required during budget development, mid-year, and final reviews. The pressures of deadlines and tight work schedules can be stressful. With salaries ranging from $111,700 to $141,000, the financial rewards may help offset some of the stress associated with the role.

4. Do analysts make good money?

Yes, analysts can earn competitive salaries. For a Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead, the salary ranges from a minimum of $111,700 to a maximum of $141,000, with a midpoint of $125,200. This indicates that analysts in this role can achieve a solid income, reflecting their expertise and the value they bring to organizations.

5. How much do project analysts make in the US?

Project Analysts in the US typically earn between $111,700 and $141,000 annually, with a median salary of $125,200. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in this field.

6. What is the difference between a project manager and a project analyst?

A project manager oversees the entire project, ensuring it meets objectives, timelines, and budgets. In contrast, a project analyst focuses on data analysis, reporting, and supporting decision-making processes. While project managers typically earn between $111,700 and $141,000, project analysts may have a similar salary range, with a midpoint around $125,200.

7. What type of analyst makes the most money?

The Budget Analyst - Specialist/Project Lead role offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $111,700, a mid-range of $125,200, and a maximum of $141,000. This position typically commands higher earnings compared to other analyst roles, reflecting its specialized skills and project leadership responsibilities.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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