Budget Analyst Salary in California
Based on 4K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$99,520
$47.85/hr
vs National Average
$88,333
+12.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $150K
4K employed in California
Budget Analyst salary in California averages $99,520 per year, positioning the state well above national benchmarks. With approximately 4,160 professionals employed in this role, California offers competitive compensation that reflects both the state's higher cost of living and robust job market for financial professionals.
Several factors influence Budget Analyst salary in California, including experience level, industry sector, and specific location within the state. Educational background, certifications, and specialized skills in financial software also play significant roles in determining compensation. Additionally, the state's concentration of public sector positions and large corporations creates competitive salary dynamics that typically exceed the national average by roughly 13 percent.
Salary Distribution — Budget Analyst in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,170 |
| 25th percentile | $80,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,520 |
| 75th percentile | $129,140 |
| 90th percentile | $149,650 |
Top-Paying Industries for Budget Analyst (U.S.)
Which industries pay Budget Analysts the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Budget Analysts in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $105,170 | 340 |
| Wholesale Trade | $104,820 | 470 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,850 | 4K |
| Information | $99,530 | 430 |
| Retail Trade | $98,500 | 40 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Budget Analyst in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,250 |
| 2023 | $99,920 |
| 2024 | $103,900 |
| 2025 | $99,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,520 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,250 | $79,026 |
| 2023 | $99,920 | $82,697 |
| 2024 | $103,900 | $85,577 |
| 2025 | $99,520 | $88,333 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,520 | $88,333 |
Budget Analyst Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $129,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $149,650 |
Budget Analyst Salary in Other States
Related Budget Analyst Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Budget Analyst ($99,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Budget Analyst | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +81.6% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +31.1% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +31.0% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +20.0% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | +9.6% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | +6.5% | $50.96/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -1.7% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -2.5% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | -2.6% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -17.8% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -18.8% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -19.9% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do budget analysts make in California?
- Budget analysts in California earn a median salary of $99,520 per year, or approximately $48 per hour. This is 12.7% higher than the national average for this role.
What is the salary range for budget analysts in California?
- The salary range for budget analysts in California spans from $69,170 on the lower end to $149,650 on the higher end, depending on experience and employer.
Is budget analyst a well-paid job in California?
- Yes, budget analysts in California are well-compensated, earning a median of $99,520 annually, which exceeds the national average by 12.7%, making it a solid career choice in the state.
How many budget analysts are employed in California?
- There are 4,160 budget analysts currently employed in California, providing a reasonable job market for professionals in this field.