Budget Analysts Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, budget analysts earn $121,890 at the median — $58.6 an hour. The range runs from $78K at the entry level to $153K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $111,949 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 31.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $122K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About budget analysts
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level budget analysts (10th percentile) start around $78K. Mid-career wages sit at $122K.Top earners bring in $153K or more - a $75K spread from bottom to top.
Budget Analysts pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $118K | +34% | 1,720 |
| Virginia | $109K | +24% | 2,940 |
| California | $104K | +18% | 3,700 |
| Maryland | $101K | +15% | 2,870 |
| New Mexico | $100K | +13% | 710 |
| Alabama | $98K | +12% | 940 |
| Oregon | $95K | +8% | 980 |
| Connecticut | $93K | +6% | 760 |
| New Jersey | $93K | +6% | 770 |
| Alaska | $93K | +6% | 300 |
| Michigan | $92K | +4% | 680 |
| Illinois | $91K | +4% | 830 |
| Hawaii | $91K | +3% | 240 |
| Rhode Island | $90K | +3% | 100 |
| Georgia | $90K | +2% | 1,890 |
Track budget analysts salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do budget analysts make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $121,890 a year - that works out to about $58.6 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $77,990, and experienced budget analysts can clear $153,340. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $122K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,212/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 31.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a budget analysts salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median budget analysts salary is worth about $111,949 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do budget analysts get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.