Assistant Analyst

The Congressional Budget Office is a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. Two CBO divisions are seeking a cross-divisional assistant analyst. The Budget Analysis Division develops multiyear budget projections and cost estimates for nearly every bill approved by Congressional committees and the Tax Analysis Division projects federal revenues, analyzes the distribution of federal taxes and spending, and examines the implications of changes in tax law and tariff policy for taxpayers and the economy.

Duties will include research assistance, data analysis and database management, drafting of cost estimates, fact-checking, and other forms of quality assurance. CBO expects assistant analysts to work both independently and collaboratively, often on tight deadlines, to respond to Congressional requests. They typically work on several projects simultaneously, gathering and synthesizing information and collecting and analyzing data. They are required to communicate often with other CBO staff members and with staff at federal agencies and other organizations.

This entry-level position is limited to a three-year appointment. It is ideal for a detail-oriented candidate who has completed or is finishing a bachelor’s degree and is interested in gaining substantive work experience before attending graduate school in public policy, economics, law, or another analytical field.

Qualifications

Candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree by June 2026 and have a strong academic background in economics, mathematics, statistics, finance, computer science, policy analysis, or a related field.

The position requires the following:

•      Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency in Excel and experience with at least one programming language or statistical package (MATLAB, Python, R, SAS, or Stata),
•      Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including experience with Microsoft Office products, and
•      A desire to contribute to policy analysis in a nonpartisan setting.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Tier 1 (NACI) investigation.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary is $66,000. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, a one- to two-page résumé, a writing sample of no more than three pages, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references at www.cbo.gov/careers. To ensure consideration, apply by June 1, 2026; incomplete applications will not be considered. This position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.