Budget analysts held about 60,800 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most budget analysts were as follows:
Federal government
20%
Educational services; state, local, and private
15
State government, excluding education and hospitals
13
Professional, scientific, and technical services
10
Local government, excluding education and hospitals
10
Although budget analysts usually work in offices, some may travel to get budget details firsthand or to verify funding allocations.
Budget analysts spend most of their time analyzing data and preparing budget proposals. In nonprofit and government organizations, analysts try to find the most efficient way to distribute funds and other resources among various departments and programs. In private firms, a budget analyst's main responsibility is to review the budget and seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.
Work Schedules
Most budget analysts work full time, and overtime is sometimes required during final reviews of budgets. The pressures of deadlines and tight work schedules can be stressful.