As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Budget Analyst I in the United States is $65,584 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Budget Analyst I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Budget Analyst I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Budget Analyst I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Analyst I | 0-2 years | $65,584 |
| Budget Analyst II | 2-4 years | $79,838 |
| Budget Analyst III | 4-7 years | $89,632 |
| Budget Analyst IV | 7+ years | $114,274 |
| Budgeting Supervisor | 7+ years | $117,821 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 20.18% |
| Financial Statements | 1.5% |
| CPA | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Tableau
|
$98,376 |
50%
|
|
SQL
|
$82,636 |
26%
|
|
Consulting
|
$74,110 |
13%
|
|
Balance Sheet
|
$74,110 |
13%
|
|
Innovation
|
$73,454 |
12%
|
|
Pricing
|
$73,454 |
12%
|
Budget Analyst I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $73,355. While startup companies pay approximate $62,037.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $62,037 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $65,613 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $70,838 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $73,355 |
For Budget Analyst I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Telecom and Retail & Wholesale sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Budget Analyst positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Budget Analyst I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telecom | $72,142 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $71,487 | $34.0 | 9% |
| MFG Nondurable | $70,831 | $34.0 | 8% |
| Media | $70,175 | $34.0 | 7% |
| Insurance | $69,519 | $33.0 | 6% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Budget Analyst Is 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 I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,170 and $67,232).
Budget Analyst I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 4.3% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 60.3% |
| Masters | 31.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Budget Analyst I'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 June 01, 2026For a Budget Analyst I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Budget Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $79,838 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a Budget Analyst I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $63,375 in 2023 to around $62,348 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Budget Analyst I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $63,375 |
| 2024 | $62,873 |
| 2025 | $62,348 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Budget Analyst I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Budget Analyst I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Budget Analyst I is $82,721.
The highest pay for Budget Analyst I is $78,779.
The lowest pay for Budget Analyst I is $56,175.
Monitors and analyzes accounting allocation and spending data to determine financial resources required to develop budgets. Tracks expenses, inventories, and budget balances. Measures actual performance against budget. Prepares forecasting reports and trend analysis. Develops recommendations for budget allocations that conform with budgetary policies and limits. Utilizes financial modeling and data analytics tools. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Telecom industry offers the highest average compensation for Budget Analyst I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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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