How much does a Controller make?
A Controller holds an important role in many organizations. They manage a company's finances and ensure everything runs smoothly. It is a demanding job, and the pay reflects this. On average, Controllers earn around $117,660 a year. This average comes from salaries reported by many professionals in the field.
The salary range for Controllers can vary based on several factors. These include the size of the company, industry, location, and level of experience. Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution:
- 10% earn less than $60,000 a year
- 25% earn less than $72,428 a year
- 50% earn less than $97,283 a year
- 75% earn less than $122,138 a year
- 90% earn less than $146,993 a year
What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $148,425
In Salinas, those managing financial operations enjoy a vibrant work environment. Salinas boasts a growing tech sector, offering diverse career opportunities for finance professionals.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $146,929
San Jose, known for its tech industry, offers exciting prospects for those in financial management. Companies like Adobe and eBay provide excellent opportunities for growth and innovation.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $143,302
Working as a financial manager in San Francisco offers a dynamic career in a tech hub. With giants like Google and Salesforce, professionals can find rewarding roles in finance.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $139,824
Bakersfield provides a stable financial management role with a focus on agriculture and energy sectors. Companies like Chevron and Rabobank offer solid career paths for finance professionals.
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Reno, NV
Average Salary: $137,068
In Reno, financial managers work in a thriving business environment. The city's diverse economy includes gaming and tourism, offering varied career opportunities.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $136,417
Modesto offers a balanced work environment for finance professionals. The city’s growing tech and healthcare sectors provide many career opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $136,386
Los Angeles presents a bustling career for financial managers. The city’s entertainment and technology industries offer dynamic roles for finance professionals.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $133,012
Boston provides a rich environment for financial management with many opportunities in education and healthcare. Working with companies like General Electric and Fidelity Investments can be very rewarding.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $130,947
Sacramento offers a stable career in financial management, with a strong focus on government and education. Professionals can find rewarding roles in public service and finance.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $130,277
In Riverside, financial managers enjoy a balanced career with a mix of industries. The city's economy includes education and healthcare, providing many opportunities for growth.
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What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

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Alliant Insurance Services
Average Salary: $192,500
Alliant Insurance Services offers exciting Controller roles. They serve clients nationwide, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and offices in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.
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Daley And Associates, LLC
Average Salary: $183,000
Daley And Associates, LLC provides top Controller positions. They work with businesses in various industries, located in Chicago, Illinois, with a growing presence in other major cities.
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American Medical Associates
Average Salary: $171,429
American Medical Associates offers Controller positions with excellent benefits. They have offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and serve clients across the country.
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ghj
Average Salary: $171,143
ghj has rewarding Controller roles. They have multiple offices, including in Denver, Colorado, and serve clients throughout the United States.
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Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C
Average Salary: $168,958
Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C offers competitive salaries for Controllers. They operate in New York, New York, and serve clients in the region and beyond.
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Precision CastParts
Average Salary: $162,421
Precision CastParts provides Controller positions with a strong compensation package. They are based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the country.
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Synergy Staffing Services
Average Salary: $158,409
Synergy Staffing Services offers Controller roles with good pay. They have offices in Dallas, Texas, and serve businesses across the state.
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Vaco
Average Salary: $151,671
Vaco provides Controller opportunities with a strong salary. They are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and have locations in several major cities.
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Entegee
Average Salary: $150,313
Entegee offers Controller positions with competitive pay. They are located in McLean, Virginia, and serve clients nationwide.
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PKF O'Connor Davies
Average Salary: $149,167
PKF O'Connor Davies provides Controller roles with a good salary. They are based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and serve clients in multiple states.
How to earn more as a Controller?
Becoming a Controller often means taking on a role that comes with good pay and significant responsibility. However, there are steps that can help increase earnings in this field. One major factor is gaining experience. Each year of experience can lead to higher salaries. Another important factor is obtaining relevant certifications. Certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can set a Controller apart and open up higher-paying opportunities.
Advancement in the career also plays a key role. Moving into a senior or executive role can lead to a significant increase in salary. Specialization in a particular industry, such as technology or healthcare, can also lead to higher pay. Networking and building strong professional relationships can uncover higher-paying job opportunities. Each of these factors can help a Controller earn more and move forward in their career.
Consider these factors when seeking to increase earnings:
- Gain experience in the field
- Obtain relevant certifications
- Advance to senior or executive roles
- Specialize in a particular industry
- Network and build professional relationships



