As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Controller in the United States is $253,229 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $122.
However, a Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Control Senior Manager | 0-0 years | $162,981 |
| Financial Control Director | 0-0 years | $177,354 |
| Controller | 0-0 years | $253,229 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.02% |
| General Ledger | 2.93% |
| Generally Accepted Accounting Principles | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Initiative
|
$265,890 |
5%
|
|
Insight
|
$265,890 |
5%
|
|
Technical Accounting
|
$263,358 |
4%
|
|
Cash Management
|
$263,358 |
4%
|
|
Financial Management
|
$263,358 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$260,826 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Controllers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $242,584 and $264,930).
Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 3.9% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 57.5% |
| Masters | 33.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Controller's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021
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A Controller's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Controller earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Controller is $319,398.
The highest pay for Controller is $311,293.
The lowest pay for Controller is $213,350.
Leads and directs an organization's accounting functions. Establishes and maintains the organization's overall accounting systems, procedures, and policies. Directs all analysis and reporting of financial information including budgets, planning, and required filings and reports. Presents findings and recommendations to management. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Typically requires Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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