Budget Analysts

Budget Analysts score 52 out of 100, which is elevated exposure to AI. That ranks #195 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 13 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 1 on its own and 11 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 4 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

52/ 100

Elevated

Rank: #195of 923 jobs
US workers: 47,160BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $91,640a year
In real AI use: 4 of 13tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (8%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 11 (85%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (8%)

Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Perform cost-benefit analyses to compare operating programs, review financial requests, or explore alternative financing methods.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Testify before examining and fund-granting authorities, clarifying and promoting the proposed budgets.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about budget analysts and AI

Will AI replace budget analysts?

Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Budget Analysts score 52 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #195 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 12 of the job's 13 tasks, 1 of them on its own, while 1 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which budget analysts tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives".

Which budget analysts tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Testify before examining and fund-granting authorities, clarifying and promoting the proposed budgets".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 4 of the 13 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as budget analysts, and what do they earn?

About 47,160 people in the US, with median pay of $91,640 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.