Position
Salary

How much does a Controller make?

The average salary for a Controller is $117,076 per year in the US.

Controllers play a key role in managing a company’s finances. They make sure that financial records are accurate and follow the law. Their work can include budgeting, accounting, and reporting. On average, Controllers earn about $117,076 a year. This amount can change based on experience, industry, and company size.

Some Controllers earn more depending on their job. The lowest-paid 10% make around $50,000 a year. The highest-paid 10% can earn over $200,000. Most Controllers fall in the middle, earning between $77,000 and $132,000. They can expect to see raises as they gain more experience. Being a Controller offers good pay and the chance to grow in a financial career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

Salinas, California, offers top-tier salaries for Controller jobs, with an average of $151,958. San Jose and San Francisco, California, also boast impressive salaries for these roles, reflecting the state's strong demand for skilled controllers. Job seekers should consider these cities for attractive salary opportunities and professional growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Salinas, CA with the highest at $151,958 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $131,878.
  1. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $151,958
    In Salinas, professionals manage financial records for companies like Tanimura & Antle. The role involves overseeing budgets, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic insights. Salinas offers a close-knit community, making it a great place to balance work and personal life.
    Find Controller jobs in Salinas, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $146,522
    In San Jose, one oversees financial operations for tech giants like Adobe and PayPal. The Controller ensures financial accuracy and efficiency, aiding in strategic planning. San Jose's vibrant tech scene offers opportunities for career growth and networking.
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  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $146,100
    San Francisco is home to major companies like Salesforce and Uber. Controllers here play a crucial role in maintaining financial integrity and compliance. The city's dynamic environment offers diverse opportunities for professional development.
    Find Controller jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $143,046
    Reno offers a mix of opportunities in finance for companies like Sierra Pacific Resources. The Controller oversees financial processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Reno provides a moderate cost of living with a growing job market.
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  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $136,855
    Modesto features prominent companies like C.R. Anthony. Controllers here manage budgets, financial reporting, and strategic planning. The city's community-oriented atmosphere supports a balanced work-life dynamic.
    Find Controller jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $136,853
    In Los Angeles, Controllers work for companies like Walt Disney and NBCUniversal. They handle financial operations and strategic decision-making. The city's diverse job market offers numerous opportunities for career advancement.
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  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $134,017
    Boston is a hub for finance, with companies like Liberty Mutual and State Street. Controllers in Boston focus on financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. The city's rich history and academic institutions provide a stimulating environment.
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  8. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $133,795
    In Bakersfield, Controllers work with companies like Rabobank. The role includes overseeing financial operations and ensuring accuracy. Bakersfield offers a lower cost of living and a supportive community.
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  9. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $132,426
    New Haven offers a mix of opportunities in finance with companies like Yale New Haven Health. Controllers here manage budgets and financial reporting. The city's academic environment and rich history provide a unique backdrop for professional growth.
    Find Controller jobs in New Haven, CT


  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $131,878
    Sacramento features companies like Blue Shield of California where Controllers manage financial operations and strategic planning. The city's growing job market and affordable living make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Controller jobs in Sacramento, CA

What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

Alliant Insurance Services stands out as a top employer for Controller jobs, offering an average salary of $192,500. This company provides strong financial oversight and stability for its staff. Daley And Associates, LLC also offers a competitive salary of $183,235, making it another excellent choice for those seeking high pay in this field. Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C. pays controllers an average of $172,500, ensuring that financial experts can thrive with good compensation. Other notable companies like American Medical Associates and Gilbane provide controllers with salaries that exceed $168,000, showing that these firms value financial expertise.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Alliant Insurance Services with the highest at $192,500 and Entegee with the lowest at $150,313.
  1. Alliant Insurance Services
    Average Salary: $192,500
    Alliant Insurance Services offers rewarding Controller roles with opportunities for growth. They have offices across the United States, including key locations like Atlanta, Chicago, and Dallas.


  2. Daley And Associates, LLC
    Average Salary: $183,235
    Daley And Associates, LLC provides excellent Controller positions. They operate in several locations, such as Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston, offering a dynamic work environment.


  3. Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C
    Average Salary: $172,500
    Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C. is known for its competitive Controller salaries. They have offices in areas like Houston, Phoenix, and San Francisco, where they focus on quality and client service.


  4. ghj
    Average Salary: $171,466
    ghj offers attractive Controller salaries and has locations in cities such as Charlotte, Denver, and Miami, providing a balanced work-life experience.


  5. American Medical Associates
    Average Salary: $170,833
    American Medical Associates pays well for their Controller positions. Their offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Seattle focus on healthcare services and financial management.


  6. Gilbane
    Average Salary: $168,050
    Gilbane offers good compensation for Controller roles. They are based in Providence, Rhode Island, and focus on construction and engineering projects across the country.


  7. Precision CastParts
    Average Salary: $161,582
    Precision CastParts provides solid Controller salaries with offices in Boston and other locations, specializing in aerospace and industrial components.


  8. HCA Healthcare
    Average Salary: $154,315
    HCA Healthcare offers Controller positions with competitive pay and locations across the United States, including Nashville and other major cities.


  9. Kforce
    Average Salary: $152,955
    Kforce offers Controller positions with good salaries and has offices in cities such as Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, providing various opportunities in staffing and recruiting.


  10. Entegee
    Average Salary: $150,313
    Entegee provides Controller roles with a solid salary, operating in cities like Denver, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, focusing on technology and consulting services.

How to earn more as a Controller?

Becoming a Controller can offer a rewarding career path with many opportunities to increase earnings. Professional skills and experience play a key role in salary growth. Controllers who aim to earn more often focus on enhancing their capabilities and expanding their market value.

Consider the following factors to boost earning potential as a Controller:

  • Advanced certifications: Earning certifications like CPA or CMA can add value to a Controller's resume. These certifications show a deeper understanding of financial principles.
  • Experience: Gaining more years of experience in the field can lead to higher earning potential. Experienced Controllers often take on more responsibilities and can command higher salaries.
  • Industry knowledge: Understanding the financial landscape of a specific industry can make a Controller more valuable. Specialized knowledge can open doors to higher-paying roles.
  • Technical skills: Proficiency with accounting software and financial tools can set a Controller apart. Strong technical skills can lead to more efficient work, which can impress employers.
  • Leadership abilities: Developing leadership skills can open the door to higher positions. Controllers who can manage teams effectively may find more opportunities for advancement and salary increases.

Currently 2,446 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
2,446 Job Openings