Budget and Policy Analyst Jobs

Budget and policy analyst jobs are open across federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofits, and think tanks, from entry-level program analyst to senior budget director, with specializations in legislative analysis, fiscal policy, and performance management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles5
Top stateColorado
Top employerSAIC
Top cityDenver, CO
Work type67% Hybrid
Top credentialMaster's degree

Showing 5 of 5+ Budget and Policy Analyst jobs

DOLA Budget & Policy Analyst III
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Added 6d ago
DOLA Budget & Policy Analyst III
State of Colorado
Denver, Colorado
Compensation & Benefits
Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) — Generalist
Learning & Development
$6,972 - $9,063/yr
Hybrid
Military encouraged
1,001-5,000

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Director of Program Budget and Policy (FINANCIAL ANL MGR 1)
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Added 2w ago
Director of Program Budget and Policy (FINANCIAL ANL MGR 1)
UC Davis
Davis, California
Customer Success
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$105k - $209k/yr
Hybrid
Master's degree in accounting
10,000+

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Legislative Research Assistant - Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee
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Added 3w ago
Legislative Research Assistant - Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee
State of Florida
Tallahassee, Florida
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Medical Assistant
High school diploma or GED
201-500

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Nuclear Budget and Policy Analyst
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Added 1mo ago
Nuclear Budget and Policy Analyst
SAIC
Arlington, Virginia
Accounting
Business Analysis
Investment Operations
$100k - $140k/yr
On-Site
Master's degree
10,000+

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Budget and Policy Analyst
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Added 1mo ago
Budget and Policy Analyst
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake City, Utah
Business Operations
Data Analytics
Project Management
Bachelor's degree in finance
5,001-10,000

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Budget and Policy Analyst Job Market

Who's Hiring

SAIC1 open role
UC Davis1 open role
Salt Lake County1 open role

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in budget and policy analyst jobs.

  • Bachelor's degree in public administration, finance, economics, or a closely related field
  • Experience building or reviewing budget proposals using spreadsheets or financial management systems
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, or statistical software like R or Stata
  • Familiarity with government budget processes, appropriations law, or OMB Circular A-11 guidance
  • Strong written communication skills demonstrated through policy memos, reports, or budget justifications
  • Knowledge of performance management frameworks such as GPRA or agency-specific strategic planning requirements

Tips for Your Budget and Policy Analyst Job Search

Tailor your resume to budget cycles

Budget and policy analyst roles require demonstrated familiarity with annual appropriations cycles and multi-year forecasting. Highlight specific fiscal years you managed, the size of budgets you analyzed, and any experience with continuing resolutions or mid-year realignments.

Get your policy writing samples ready

Many hiring managers screen for writing ability before the interview. Keep two or three policy memos, budget justifications, or legislative analyses ready to submit. Generic writing samples from unrelated fields rarely satisfy reviewers at policy-focused agencies or think tanks.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists budget and policy analyst openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.

Target postings by appropriations authority

Federal postings often specify whether the role sits under discretionary or mandatory spending programs. Aligning your application to that distinction, and referencing relevant experience with OMB Circular A-11 or GPRA reporting, signals genuine program knowledge to screeners.

Prepare a walk-through of a budget you built

Interviewers for analyst roles almost always ask you to walk through a real budget or policy recommendation you developed. Prepare a two-minute narrative covering the problem, the data sources you used, your methodology, and the decision it informed.

Negotiate using total compensation, not base only

Government and nonprofit budget roles often carry defined benefit pensions, student loan repayment programs, and flexible leave that private-sector offers lack. Build your counteroffer around total compensation so you can make a fair comparison across sectors.

Budget and Policy Analyst Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most budget and policy analysts?

SAIC, UC Davis, and Salt Lake County are hiring the most budget and policy analysts right now, with openings concentrated in Colorado, California, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Federal agencies, state budget offices, and policy-focused nonprofits account for the largest share of active postings.

How many budget and policy analyst jobs are remote?

About 67% of budget and policy analyst openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote availability concentrated in policy research, legislative analysis, and grant management roles rather than positions requiring direct access to classified financial systems or in-person legislative testimony.

How do you become a budget and policy analyst?

Start with a bachelor's degree in public administration, economics, or finance, then build hands-on experience through internships at a government agency, budget office, or policy organization. Develop proficiency in budget software and data analysis tools, and practice writing policy memos and budget justifications. A master's degree in public policy or public administration strengthens your candidacy for senior roles.

Can you get hired as a budget and policy analyst with little experience?

Entry-level budget and policy analyst roles do exist, particularly at city and county budget offices, federal agencies hiring through pathways programs, and policy nonprofits. Relevant coursework in public finance, a strong writing sample such as a capstone policy memo, and even a single internship in a government or research setting can substitute for full-time experience when you're applying to program analyst or junior analyst postings.

What does the budget and policy analyst interview process look like?

Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your analytical background and knowledge of budget processes. A writing or analytical exercise, such as reviewing a draft budget memo or summarizing a policy proposal, is common at the second stage. Final rounds typically include a panel interview with program managers and finance staff, where you'll be asked to walk through a past analysis and demonstrate familiarity with the agency's or organization's mission.

Where can I find and apply to budget and policy analyst jobs?

You can find and apply to budget and policy analyst jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find the roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing.

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