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Assistant Analyst

Congressional Budget Office
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The Congressional Budget Office, a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic, policy, and budgetary analysis to the Congress, is seeking assistant analysts to work in various divisions. Specific duties vary by division, but most assistant analysts provide research assistance, conduct statistical analyses and literature reviews, help maintain databases, and perform quality assurance reviews. 

Qualifications

For most of the positions, a strong academic background in economics, mathematics, statistics, finance, computer science, policy analysis, or a related field with economics coursework is required. 

The position also requires the following credentials and attributes:

  • A bachelor’s degree by June 2026;
  • Strong quantitative skills; 
  • Attention to detail and strong written and oral communication skills;
  • Perseverance, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, a desire to work on issues of current interest to the Congress; and 
  • Experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office products. (Proficiency with at least one statistical software package or programming language—such as MATLAB, Python, R, SAS, or Stata—is required for some positions.)

This is an entry-level position limited to three years. The position is ideal for those seeking substantive work experience before pursuing postgraduate study in economics, public policy, or other analytical fields. People who have or are completing a master’s degree are not eligible. 

Divisions Seeking Analysts

Following are details about the work of the divisions at CBO that have assistant analyst positions available:

  • The Budget Analysis Division develops projections of federal spending and estimates the budgetary effects of proposed legislation. Assistant analysts work independently as well as collaboratively and often within short time frames, obtaining data to address policy questions and preparing analyses to meet the needs of Congressional committees. 
  • The Financial Analysis Division develops and uses valuation models to provide quantitative assessments of the costs and risks of federal financial obligations. The division focuses on the federal government’s credit, insurance, and investment programs, such as student loan programs, mortgage guarantees and deposit insurance. It also analyzes the broader financial commitments and activities of the federal government. Assistant analysts in the division provide support for financial modeling and research by gathering data from many sources, merging those data into databases, conducting literature reviews, and collaborating with economists on research and written reports. In addition, assistant analysts may contribute to CBO’s valuation modeling and projections of financial variables, helping the agency assess the budgetary and economic implications of federal financial policies.
  • The Health Analysis Division produces reports and quantitative analyses relating to Medicare, Medicaid, subsidies provided through health insurance exchanges, and other health policy issues. When the Congress is considering changes to health care programs; the division plays a key role by supporting the Budget Analysis Division in estimating the costs of those proposed changes. The division’s economists also develop and maintain CBO’s health insurance simulation model, HISIM2, which is used for projecting health insurance coverage for the U.S. population. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to the economists and public policy analysts in the division. Typical tasks include statistical analysis, programming, literature review, interviewing experts, collecting data from public sources, and conducting quality assurance reviews. Programming skills are especially important for refining and maintaining HISIM2.
  • The Labor, Income Security, and Long-Term Analysis Division analyzes a range of federal programs and policies, including Social Security and programs related to education and income security. The division is also responsible for CBO’s long-term budget projections and the agency’s long-term microsimulation model. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to the economists in the division. Typical work products include statistical analyses, programming support, literature reviews, and quality assurance reviews.
  • The Macroeconomic Analysis Division analyzes current economic conditions, develops CBO’s economic forecast, and analyzes the economic effects of fiscal policy. Assistant analysts prepare materials for CBO’s publications, maintain the division’s models and databases, and assist with data collection and economic analysis for the division’s projects.
  • The Microeconomic Studies Division analyzes a wide variety of policy issues related to energy, climate, and the environment, including federal permitting and regulation. The division is also responsible for analyzing policies related to transportation, infrastructure, and federal support for research and development. Assistant analysts provide research assistance and technical support to many of the projects in the division’s portfolio. 
  • The Tax Analysis Division projects federal revenues, using economic models and microsimulation techniques; analyzes the distribution of income; and examines how changes in tax law affect the behavior of taxpayers and the overall economy. Assistant analysts develop projections of revenues from tariffs and excise taxes, estimate the effects of selected legislative proposals on revenues, and assist with other analyses.

Salary and Benefits

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

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, a résumé, a brief writing sample, an unofficial copy of your academic transcript, and contact information for three references online at www.cbo.gov/careers. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until December 22, 2025, or until the positions are filled. The positions are covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended. 

Contact

Kate Green or Annita Gulati, Washington, DC, careers@cbo.gov