<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM BUTLER
INTERNATIONAL, INC. FORM 10Q FOR PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 908
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 81,082
<ALLOWANCES> 1,366
<INVENTORY> 414
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 87,517
<PP&E> 42,581
<DEPRECIATION> 20,454
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 177,607
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 29,041
<BONDS> 0
0
5
<COMMON> 10
<OTHER-SE> 64,078
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 177,607
<SALES> 314,299
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 314,299
<CGS> 246,496
<TOTAL-COSTS> 246,496
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 56,192
<LOSS-PROVISION> 83
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4,762
<INCOME-PRETAX> 6,766
<INCOME-TAX> 2,397
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 4,369
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 4,369
<EPS-BASIC> .44
<EPS-DILUTED> .39
</TABLE>