Position
Salary

How much does a Controller make?

The average salary for a Controller is $117,660 per year in the US.

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

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What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

Job seekers looking for Controller roles can find top-paying opportunities in several cities. Salinas, CA, leads with an average salary of $148,425, offering a strong financial incentive. Other cities like San Jose, CA, and San Francisco, CA, also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive for professionals in this field. Candidates may find it beneficial to explore these cities for career advancement.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Salinas, CA with the highest at $148,425 and Riverside, CA with the lowest at $130,277.
  1. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Salinas, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Reno, NV


  6. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Modesto, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Boston, MA


  9. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Controller jobs in Riverside, CA

What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

Alliant Insurance Services stands out as a top employer for Controller roles, offering an average salary of $192,500. Daley and Associates, LLC provides competitive compensation, with controllers earning an average of $183,000. American Medical Associates is another strong contender, paying controllers an average of $171,429. These companies value their controllers and offer attractive financial rewards. Other notable employers include ghj, Grassi & Co., CPA’s P.C., and Precision CastParts, all providing salaries above the average for the industry. Synergy Staffing Services, Vaco, Entegee, and PKF O’Connor Davies also rank high in compensation for controller positions, making them excellent choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Alliant Insurance Services with the highest at $192,500 and PKF O'Connor Davies with the lowest at $149,167.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. Entegee
    Average Salary: $150,313
    Entegee offers Controller positions with competitive pay. They are located in McLean, Virginia, and serve clients nationwide.


  10. 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:

  1. Gain experience in the field
  2. Obtain relevant certifications
  3. Advance to senior or executive roles
  4. Specialize in a particular industry
  5. Network and build professional relationships

Currently 1,577 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
1,577 Job Openings