Controller Salaries

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Controller make?

The average salary for a Controller is $115,052 per year in the US.

A Controller plays a key role in managing a company's finances. They oversee accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. This important job comes with a good salary. On average, a Controller makes about $115,052 per year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the size of the company.

Controllers with more experience can earn even more. For example, those with 10-19 years of experience can make between $106,727 and $118,409 per year. The location also matters. Some areas pay more than others. Big cities often have higher salaries. The size of the company can also affect pay. Larger companies may offer higher wages. This job is both rewarding and financially stable.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

Job seekers looking for Controller positions can find some of the highest salaries in California. San Jose and San Francisco lead the way with average annual salaries over $140,000. Other cities like Salinas, Bakersfield, and Santa Rosa also offer competitive pay. On the East Coast, Boston stands out with an average salary of over $129,000. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking top compensation in their field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $145,523 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $129,853.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $145,523
    In San Jose, a financial expert can find rewarding roles in tech companies. The city's tech hub offers many opportunities for those managing budgets. Companies like Adobe and eBay are prominent employers.
    Find Controller jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $144,768
    San Francisco provides a dynamic environment for financial professionals. The city's diverse industries, from tech to finance, offer many roles. Companies like Salesforce and Google provide excellent opportunities.
    Find Controller jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $140,396
    Salinas offers a smaller, community-focused setting for financial experts. The city's agricultural industry provides unique opportunities. Local businesses value strong financial oversight.
    Find Controller jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $139,669
    Bakersfield provides a stable environment for financial professionals. The city's energy sector offers many roles. Companies like Chevron and Sempra Energy provide excellent opportunities.
    Find Controller jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $139,653
    Santa Rosa offers a mix of industries for financial experts. The city's wine industry provides unique opportunities. Local businesses value strong financial oversight.
    Find Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $137,995
    Modesto provides a growing environment for financial professionals. The city's agricultural industry offers many roles. Local businesses value strong financial oversight.
    Find Controller jobs in Modesto, CA


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $136,949
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant environment for financial experts. The city's diverse industries, from entertainment to tech, provide many roles. Companies like Amazon and Sony offer excellent opportunities.
    Find Controller jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $130,949
    Riverside offers a balanced environment for financial professionals. The city's growing industries provide many roles. Local businesses value strong financial oversight.
    Find Controller jobs in Riverside, CA


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $130,151
    Sacramento provides a stable environment for financial experts. The city's government sector offers many roles. State agencies value strong financial oversight.
    Find Controller jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $129,853
    Boston offers a historic environment for financial professionals. The city's diverse industries, from finance to education, provide many roles. Companies like Fidelity and State Street offer excellent opportunities.
    Find Controller jobs in Boston, MA

What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

ROAR offers top salaries for Controller positions, with an average of $169,545 per year. Michael Page and Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C. also provide competitive pay, around $161,768 and $157,143 respectively. These companies value skilled controllers and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting ROARK with the highest at $169,545 and Kforce with the lowest at $143,547.
  1. ROARK
    Average Salary: $169,545
    ROARK offers competitive salaries for Controller positions. They provide opportunities to work in various locations, including major cities across the country. Controllers at ROAK manage financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.


  2. ghj
    Average Salary: $161,768
    ghj is known for its strong financial management practices. Controllers at ghj work in diverse industries, providing financial oversight and strategic planning. They operate in key business hubs nationwide.


  3. Michael Page
    Average Salary: $161,250
    Michael Page offers attractive compensation for Controller roles. Controllers here are part of a dynamic team, ensuring financial accuracy and efficiency. They work in various sectors, with offices in major cities.


  4. Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C
    Average Salary: $157,143
    Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C provides a solid salary for Controllers. They focus on delivering high-quality financial services. Controllers here manage financial reporting and compliance, working in key locations.


  5. Daley And Associates, LLC
    Average Salary: $155,000
    Daley And Associates, LLC offers a competitive salary for Controllers. They provide financial management services across various industries. Controllers work in strategic locations, ensuring financial integrity.


  6. Leeds Professional Resources
    Average Salary: $152,118
    Leeds Professional Resources offers attractive compensation for Controller positions. They focus on delivering financial excellence. Controllers work in diverse sectors, with offices in key business areas.


  7. Vaco
    Average Salary: $149,039
    Vaco provides a good salary for Controllers. They offer opportunities in various industries, ensuring financial accuracy. Controllers work in major cities, managing financial operations.


  8. Precision CastParts
    Average Salary: $145,173
    Precision CastParts offers a solid salary for Controllers. They focus on manufacturing and engineering. Controllers here manage financial reporting and compliance, working in key locations.


  9. 3P Partners
    Average Salary: $143,684
    3P Partners offers a competitive salary for Controller positions. They provide financial management services. Controllers work in various sectors, ensuring financial accuracy and efficiency.


  10. Kforce
    Average Salary: $143,547
    Kforce offers a good salary for Controllers. They provide opportunities in diverse industries. Controllers here manage financial reporting and compliance, working in key business areas.

How to earn more as a Controller?

A Controller plays a key role in managing a company's finances. This position requires strong skills in accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. To earn more in this role, consider these important factors. Improving skills and gaining certifications can lead to higher pay. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications often command higher salaries. Experience in different industries or roles can also increase earning potential. Networking with other professionals can open up higher-paying opportunities. Seeking out leadership roles or taking on more responsibility can lead to higher compensation.

Another way to earn more as a Controller is to work in a high-demand industry. Certain sectors, such as technology or finance, often offer higher salaries. Moving to a region with a higher cost of living can also increase earnings. This is because companies in these areas need to pay more to attract talent. Staying current with industry trends and technologies can make a Controller more valuable. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Finally, negotiating salary and benefits effectively can result in a higher income. Being prepared to discuss your value and market rates can make a big difference.

Here are some specific steps to consider:

  1. Get advanced degrees or certifications.
  2. Gain experience in different industries or roles.
  3. Network with other professionals.
  4. Seek leadership roles or more responsibility.
  5. Work in high-demand industries or regions.

Currently 2,598 Controller job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Controller in the US?

Learn what a Controller does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Controller today.
Position
Overview
Controller
2,598 Job Openings