Position
Salary

How much does a Controller make?

The average salary for a Controller is $111,824 per year in the US.

A Controller’s role in a company involves overseeing financial reporting and management. This position demands strong skills in accounting and leadership. On average, Controllers earn about $111,824 each year. This figure shows the value placed on the expertise needed to manage company finances.

Controllers can earn more as they gain more experience. Entry-level Controllers might start with around $39,000 annually. Those with more years of experience can earn significantly more. The highest earners in this field can make up to $210,000 per year. This wide range of salaries reflects the different levels of responsibility and expertise.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

Job seekers can find high salaries for Controller positions in several cities across the country. Leading the pack is San Francisco, CA, with an average salary of $153,720. Following closely are San Jose, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, offering competitive average salaries of $152,919 and $144,624, respectively. More cities also offer attractive salaries for Controllers. Boston, MA, and Boulder, CO, show strong competition with average salaries at $139,734 and $135,514, respectively. Other notable locations include Salinas, CA, with $144,558, and Reno, NV, with $134,031. Washington, DC, offers $133,195, while Modesto, CA, and Bakersfield, CA, provide around $133,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $153,720 and Bakersfield, CA with the lowest at $133,044.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $153,720
    Working in San Francisco offers a dynamic environment with numerous tech giants. Companies like Salesforce and Airbnb provide great opportunities for finance professionals. The city's vibrant culture complements a demanding job.
    Find Controller jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $152,919
    San Jose is a tech hub, perfect for finance professionals. Companies like Intel and eBay are major players. The city offers a mix of urban life and tech opportunities.
    Find Controller jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $144,624
    In Los Angeles, the entertainment industry opens unique financial challenges. Companies like Disney and Warner Bros. offer varied roles. The city's diverse economy provides a rich professional landscape.
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  4. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $144,558
    Salinas provides a more relaxed pace for finance professionals. Companies like Tanimura & Antle focus on agriculture. It’s an excellent place for those who prefer a slower, yet rewarding career.
    Find Controller jobs in Salinas, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $139,734
    Boston offers a rich history and a strong financial sector. Firms like State Street and Fidelity attract finance experts. The city's educational institutions add to its appeal.
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  6. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $135,514
    Boulder combines natural beauty with a strong finance sector. Companies like Ball Corporation and Boulder Labs are key employers. The outdoorsy lifestyle makes for a balanced work life.
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  7. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $134,031
    Reno presents a mix of gaming and tech opportunities. Companies like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Panini Americas offer diverse roles. The city’s entertainment scene adds to its charm.
    Find Controller jobs in Reno, NV


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $133,195
    Washington, DC, is a center for finance and government. Firms like Deloitte and KPMG thrive here. The political environment offers unique career paths in finance.
    Find Controller jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $133,094
    Modesto offers a lower cost of living with opportunities in agriculture. Companies like C&H Sugar provide stable roles. It’s an ideal place for a balanced professional life.
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  10. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $133,044
    Bakersfield’s economy thrives on oil and agriculture. Companies like Chevron and Rabobank offer solid career opportunities. The city’s laid-back vibe complements professional growth.
    Find Controller jobs in Bakersfield, CA

What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

Job seekers interested in Controller roles can find excellent opportunities at Deloitte, with an average salary of $203,717. GRASSI & CO. CPAS, PC follows closely with an average salary of $189,615. Pop-Up Talent, Gilbane Building Company, and Century Group also offer competitive salaries for Controller positions. These companies provide attractive compensation packages that can make a significant difference in a candidate’s career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Deloitte with the highest at $203,717 and Ledgent with the lowest at $164,013.
  1. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $203,717
    Deloitte offers rewarding Controller positions across its many global offices. Candidates have the chance to work on significant financial management tasks. Deloitte operates in multiple countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.


  2. GRASSI & CO. CPAS, PC
    Average Salary: $189,615
    GRASSI & CO. CPAS, PC provides dynamic Controller roles focused on financial reporting and budgeting. This firm is located in the heart of New York City and serves clients across various industries.


  3. Pop-Up Talent
    Average Salary: $182,500
    Pop-Up Talent is a high-paying company for Controller jobs. They focus on creating specialized finance teams for businesses. They operate nationwide, offering flexibility in remote and on-site positions.


  4. Gilbane Building Company
    Average Salary: $173,115
    Gilbane Building Company offers Controller positions that emphasize cost control and financial analysis. This company operates across the United States, providing diverse opportunities in the construction industry.


  5. Century Group
    Average Salary: $170,421
    Century Group has competitive Controller salaries and offers roles that involve financial oversight and reporting. The company has offices in several states, providing growth opportunities.


  6. Daley And Associates, LLC.
    Average Salary: $169,375
    Daley And Associates, LLC. offers Controller roles focused on detailed financial management and compliance. The company operates primarily in New York, offering a solid career path for finance professionals.


  7. AMETEK
    Average Salary: $167,727
    AMETEK provides Controller positions with a focus on precision and detail in financial management. The company is headquartered in Pennsylvania and operates globally, offering extensive career development.


  8. KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting
    Average Salary: $166,705
    KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting offers Controller roles with strong financial oversight. The company is located in New York City, providing a variety of opportunities in the financial services sector.


  9. Corning Incorporated
    Average Salary: $164,253
    Corning Incorporated provides Controller roles with a focus on material cost management and strategic financial planning. This company operates in various locations, including New York and North Carolina.


  10. Ledgent
    Average Salary: $164,013
    Ledgent offers Controller positions with a mix of financial oversight and strategic planning tasks. The company operates nationwide, providing opportunities for career growth.

How to earn more as a Controller?

A Controller plays a key role in a company's financial management. This job requires skill and attention to detail. Increasing your earnings in this field is possible with the right strategies. Taking steps to advance can lead to better opportunities.

Consider these factors to boost your earnings as a Controller. Each one offers a clear path to higher pay and more job satisfaction.

  • Gain more experience: Working more years in this role can increase your value to employers. Experience brings a deeper understanding of financial processes.
  • Get advanced certifications: Certifications like the CPA or CMA can make you more attractive to employers. These certifications show you have the skills needed for higher-level work.
  • Learn new technologies: Familiarize yourself with the latest accounting software and financial tools. This can make you more efficient and valuable to employers.
  • Seek a leadership role: Moving into a managerial position can lead to higher pay. You will oversee more of the company's financial operations.
  • Network within the industry: Building connections with other professionals can open up better job opportunities. Networking can lead to higher-paying positions.

Currently 2,835 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
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Controller
2,835 Job Openings