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Salary

How much does a Controller make?

The average salary for a Controller is $114,052 per year in the US.

A Controller is a senior role in financial management. They ensure that a company’s finances are in order. This role requires a strong background in accounting and finance. People in this position often earn a good salary because of their important work. The average yearly salary for a Controller is around $114,000. This amount can change based on factors like experience, location, and the size of the company.

The salary for Controllers can vary widely. Some may start at around $42,000 a year, while others can earn over $200,000. Here are some typical salaries at different points in a Controller’s career:

  • 10th percentile: $41,596
  • 25th percentile: $56,224
  • 50th percentile: $100,107
  • 75th percentile: $143,990
  • 90th percentile: $173,245

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What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

If you are a Controller looking for the best-paying jobs, San Francisco offers the highest average salary at $149,892. Following closely behind are San Jose and Reno, where salaries reach $149,698 and $144,929, respectively. Job seekers should consider these cities for top compensation in the field. Potential candidates might find competitive salaries in Los Angeles, Boston, and Bakersfield as well. The average Controller salary in Los Angeles is $141,083, while Boston offers $136,506 and Bakersfield $135,662. These cities provide strong opportunities for those seeking higher earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $149,892 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $131,399.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $149,892
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for finance professionals. Companies like tech giants and startups alike need skilled individuals to manage their finances. Working here means staying on top of trends and technology in the finance sector.
    Find Controller jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $149,698
    San Jose is a key player in the tech world, which means a demand for finance experts. Silicon Valley firms need strong financial oversight. This city provides many opportunities for growth in the tech-driven finance world.
    Find Controller jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $144,929
    In Reno, a Controller plays a crucial role in the local business landscape. The city’s diverse industries, from tourism to tech, benefit from effective financial management. Working here offers a mix of challenges and opportunities to grow your career.
    Find Controller jobs in Reno, NV


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $141,083
    Los Angeles is home to a bustling economy with many opportunities for finance professionals. Major firms in entertainment and tech seek strong financial oversight. This vibrant city offers a dynamic environment for career advancement.
    Find Controller jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $136,506
    Boston is rich with history and opportunity for finance professionals. The city is a hub for education and healthcare, where skilled financial managers are in demand. Working here means joining a prestigious community of professionals.
    Find Controller jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $135,662
    Bakersfield provides a strong base for finance careers with its growing economy. The city’s blend of agriculture and industry offers unique financial challenges. Working here means contributing to the economic growth of a diverse region.
    Find Controller jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  7. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $135,387
    New Haven is a city with a mix of education, healthcare, and industry sectors. Controllers here manage the financial health of prominent institutions. The city offers a supportive environment for professional growth and development.
    Find Controller jobs in New Haven, CT


  8. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $134,965
    Modesto is a growing city with many opportunities for finance professionals. The local economy benefits from effective financial oversight. Working here provides a chance to be part of a growing community and its economic development.
    Find Controller jobs in Modesto, CA


  9. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $131,481
    Santa Rosa offers a balanced environment for finance professionals with its mix of agriculture and tech. The city needs skilled financial managers to support its growth. Working here means being part of a community focused on quality and innovation.
    Find Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $131,399
    Sacramento, the state capital, offers a unique blend of government and private sector opportunities. Controllers here manage finances for key institutions. Working in this political hub provides a chance to influence policy and finance.
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What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

Looking for a Controller job with a great salary? Consider companies like Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C., which offers an average salary of $187,955. Daley And Associates, LLC and Ledgent Finance & Accounting also stand out with salaries above $160,000. Precision CastParts and HCA Healthcare offer competitive salaries, making them good choices for those seeking stability and good pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C with the highest at $187,955 and HCA Healthcare with the lowest at $154,315.
  1. Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C
    Average Salary: $187,955
    Grassi & Co. offers exciting opportunities for Controllers. They help businesses manage finances and ensure compliance. Their offices are located across the United States, including major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.


  2. Daley And Associates, LLC
    Average Salary: $183,289
    Daley And Associates values its Controllers. They handle budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. They have offices in major cities such as Boston, San Francisco, and Miami.


  3. Ledgent Finance & Accounting
    Average Salary: $167,857
    Ledgent Finance & Accounting has many openings for Controllers. They focus on financial planning and analysis. Their locations include Dallas, Atlanta, and Seattle.


  4. ghj
    Average Salary: $166,180
    ghj provides great opportunities for Controllers. They work on financial reporting and compliance. They have offices in several cities, including Denver, Minneapolis, and Charlotte.


  5. LeoForce
    Average Salary: $165,070
    LeoForce needs experienced Controllers. They are responsible for managing financial operations. They operate in cities such as Houston, Phoenix, and Philadelphia.


  6. Gilbane
    Average Salary: $164,433
    Gilbane offers competitive salaries for Controllers. They work on financial planning and budgeting. Their offices are located in San Diego, Portland, and Austin.


  7. Thomas Edwards Group
    Average Salary: $161,786
    Thomas Edwards Group is looking for skilled Controllers. They focus on accounting and financial analysis. They have locations in major cities like Detroit, St. Louis, and Columbus.


  8. Cherry Bekaert
    Average Salary: $158,333
    Cherry Bekaert has many Controller positions. They help with financial reporting and audits. They are present in cities such as Tampa, Baltimore, and Indianapolis.


  9. Precision CastParts
    Average Salary: $155,817
    Precision CastParts offers good salaries for Controllers. They manage financial operations and reporting. They operate in cities like Cleveland, Salt Lake City, and Nashville.


  10. HCA Healthcare
    Average Salary: $154,315
    HCA Healthcare provides opportunities for Controllers. They focus on budgeting and financial planning. They have locations in many cities, including Nashville, San Antonio, and Jacksonville.

How to earn more as a Controller?

To increase earnings as a Controller, one should focus on enhancing professional skills and experience. Gaining advanced certifications can lead to higher job opportunities and pay rates. Additionally, working with advanced software and financial systems often results in increased responsibilities and better compensation. Networking within the industry also opens doors to new roles with higher salaries.

Expanding knowledge in areas like data analytics, compliance, and strategic planning can provide a competitive edge. This knowledge allows a Controller to add more value to the company, leading to higher earnings. Moreover, seeking roles in industries with strong financial growth or in larger companies often means better pay. Controllers who demonstrate strong leadership skills may also earn more by taking on additional responsibilities or moving into senior roles.

Factors influencing higher earnings for a Controller include:

  • Obtaining advanced certifications such as CPA or CISA.
  • Gaining proficiency in financial software and systems.
  • Building a strong professional network in the industry.

  • Expanding knowledge in data analytics and strategic planning.
  • Seeking roles in growing industries or larger companies.

Currently 2,053 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
2,053 Job Openings