Budget Analysts
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Sample of reported job titles:
Budget Analyst, Budget Coordinator, Budget Officer, Financial Services Officer, Policy Analyst
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Tasks
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Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
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Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
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Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
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Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
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Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
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Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
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Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
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Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives.
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Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.
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Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.
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Perform cost-benefit analyses to compare operating programs, review financial requests, or explore alternative financing methods.
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Seek new ways to improve efficiency and increase profits.
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Testify before examining and fund-granting authorities, clarifying and promoting the proposed budgets.
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Technology Skills
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Accounting software — Deltek Costpoint; Fund accounting software; Hyperion Enterprise
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Analytical or scientific software — Statistical software
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Business intelligence and data analysis software — IBM Cognos Business Intelligence
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Cloud-based data access and sharing software — Microsoft SharePoint
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Data base reporting software — SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
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Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access

; Online analytical processing OLAP software; Relational database software; Structured query language SQL
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Development environment software — Business Objects Data Integrator; Microsoft Visual Basic
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Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software — Microsoft Dynamics GP; Oracle Hyperion; Revelwood; Sage Active Planner
; 17 more
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Financial analysis software — Budget monitoring systems; Microsoft FRx; Oracle E-Business Suite Financials; Satori Group proCube
; 2 more
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Graphics or photo imaging software — Graphics software
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Human resources software — Human resources management system HRMS; Ultimate Software UltiPro Workplace
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Object or component oriented development software — Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
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Office suite software — Microsoft Office software
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Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint

; SAP Crystal Xcelsius
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Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
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Time accounting software — Payroll software; Time and attendance software; Valiant Vantage
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Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.
In Demand skills are frequently included in employer job postings for this occupation.
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Work Activities
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Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
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Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
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Detailed Work Activities
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Analyze budgetary or accounting data.
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Advise others on financial matters.
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Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
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Verify accuracy of financial information.
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Gather financial records.
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Analyze business or financial data.
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Establish organizational guidelines or policies.
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Discuss business strategies, practices, or policies with managers.
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Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
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Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
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Work Context
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Electronic Mail — 99% responded “Every day.”
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Face-to-Face Discussions — 79% responded “Every day.”
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Spend Time Sitting — 76% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
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Telephone — 79% responded “Every day.”
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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 67% responded “Extremely important.”
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Contact With Others — 57% responded “Constant contact with others.”
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Work With Work Group or Team — 51% responded “Extremely important.”
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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 43% responded “Very important results.”
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Coordinate or Lead Others — 51% responded “Very important.”
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Freedom to Make Decisions — 46% responded “Some freedom.”
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Time Pressure — 40% responded “Every day.”
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Duration of Typical Work Week — 53% responded “More than 40 hours.”
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Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 48% responded “Extremely important.”
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Structured versus Unstructured Work — 64% responded “Some freedom.”
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Frequency of Decision Making — 51% responded “Every day.”
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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 70% responded “Every day.”
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Level of Competition — 44% responded “Highly competitive.”
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Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 42% responded “Limited responsibility.”
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Letters and Memos — 25% responded “Every day.”
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Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Related Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
- Job Zone Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
- SVP Range
- (7.0 to < 8.0)
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Training & Credentials
- State training
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- Local training
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- Certifications
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- Apprenticeships
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Have a career path or location in mind? Visit Apprenticeship.gov
external site to find apprenticeship opportunities near you.
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Skills
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Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
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Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
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Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Knowledge
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Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
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Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Administrative — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
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Abilities
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Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
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Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
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Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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Interests
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Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Work Values
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Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
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Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
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Work Styles
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Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
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Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
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Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
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Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
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Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
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Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
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Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
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Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
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Wages & Employment Trends
- Median wages (2022)
- $39.55 hourly, $82,260 annual
- State wages
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- Local wages
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- Employment (2021)
- 50,400 employees
- Projected growth (2021-2031)
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Slower than average (2% to 3%)
- Projected job openings (2021-2031)
- 4,000
- State trends
-
- Top industries (2021)
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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data
external site and 2021-2031 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2021-2031). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
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- Local job openings
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