How much does a Controller make?
A Controller plays a key role in managing a company's finances. They oversee accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. This important job often comes with a good salary. The average yearly salary for a Controller is around $116,427. This means that many Controllers earn a solid income.
The salary for a Controller can vary based on experience and location. Some Controllers earn less, while others earn more. Here are some common salary ranges:
- The lowest 10% of Controllers earn about $60,000 per year.
- The next 10% earn between $60,000 and $72,045 per year.
- The next 20% earn between $72,045 and $108,182 per year.
- The highest 10% earn over $168,409 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $148,784
In San Jose, a financial expert can find rewarding opportunities with tech giants like Intel and Cisco. The city's vibrant tech scene offers dynamic roles and competitive salaries.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $144,809
Salinas provides a strong foundation for finance professionals, with companies like Tanimura & Antle and Del Monte Foods offering stable roles. The city's agricultural focus brings unique financial challenges.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $143,633
San Francisco's financial sector is bustling with opportunities at firms like Salesforce and Uber. The city's diverse economy offers a range of roles for finance experts.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $141,252
Bakersfield offers a mix of opportunities in finance, with companies like Chevron and Rabobank providing stable roles. The city's energy sector offers unique financial insights.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $137,290
Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for finance professionals, with major companies like Amazon and Sony offering diverse roles. The city's entertainment industry brings unique financial challenges.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $137,144
Modesto offers a supportive environment for finance careers, with companies like The Wonderful Company and Grace Flower Farms providing stable roles. The city's agricultural focus offers unique financial insights.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $132,575
Sacramento provides a range of opportunities for finance experts, with government roles and companies like Blue Shield of California offering diverse roles. The city's political focus brings unique financial challenges.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $131,637
Boston offers a rich environment for finance professionals, with firms like Fidelity Investments and State Street Corporation providing diverse roles. The city's educational institutions offer unique financial insights.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $130,820
Riverside provides a supportive environment for finance careers, with companies like Riverside County and University of California, Riverside offering diverse roles. The city's educational focus brings unique financial challenges.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $129,585
Santa Rosa offers a range of opportunities for finance experts, with companies like Charles Schwab and Sonoma State University providing diverse roles. The city's agricultural focus offers unique financial insights.
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What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

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Alliant Insurance Services
Average Salary: $192,500
Alliant Insurance Services offers Controller jobs with a focus on risk management and insurance. They operate in multiple locations across the U.S. Their roles often involve overseeing financial operations and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
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Daley And Associates, LLC
Average Salary: $175,400
Daley And Associates, LLC provides Controller jobs with a strong emphasis on financial planning and analysis. They are based in the Midwest and New York. Their positions typically involve managing budgets, financial reporting, and strategic planning.
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ghj
Average Salary: $173,428
ghj offers Controller jobs with a focus on public accounting and advisory services. They have offices in several states. Their roles often include auditing, tax services, and consulting for clients.
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Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C
Average Salary: $165,536
Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C provides Controller jobs with a strong emphasis on accounting and tax services. They operate in New York and New Jersey. Their positions typically involve financial reporting, tax compliance, and advisory services.
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American Medical Associates
Average Salary: $159,615
American Medical Associates offers Controller jobs with a focus on healthcare financial management. They operate in several states. Their roles often involve managing budgets, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
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Precision CastParts
Average Salary: $157,538
Precision CastParts provides Controller jobs with a focus on manufacturing and engineering. They have locations in multiple states. Their positions typically involve managing budgets, financial reporting, and overseeing manufacturing operations.
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PKF O'Connor Davies
Average Salary: $157,292
PKF O'Connor Davies offers Controller jobs with a strong emphasis on public accounting and advisory services. They operate in several states. Their roles often involve auditing, tax services, and consulting for clients.
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Synergy Staffing Services
Average Salary: $154,773
Synergy Staffing Services provides Controller jobs with a focus on staffing and recruitment. They operate in multiple states. Their positions typically involve managing budgets, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with staffing regulations.
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Vaco
Average Salary: $153,331
Vaco offers Controller jobs with a focus on financial staffing and consulting. They operate in several states. Their roles often involve managing budgets, financial reporting, and providing financial consulting services.
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Taylor White Accounting and Finance
Average Salary: $151,786
Taylor White Accounting and Finance provides Controller jobs with a strong emphasis on accounting and financial services. They operate in several states. Their positions typically involve managing budgets, financial reporting, and providing advisory services.
How to earn more as a Controller?
A Controller plays a key role in managing a company's financial health. They oversee accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. To earn more in this role, focus on enhancing skills and gaining experience. This can lead to higher pay and more opportunities.
Here are some ways to increase earnings as a Controller:
- Get Certified: Earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification can boost earnings. These certifications show a deep understanding of accounting and finance.
- Gain Experience: Working in different industries or roles can make a Controller more valuable. Experience in various financial areas can lead to higher pay.
- Advance Education: A master's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration can open doors to higher-paying positions. Advanced education can also lead to leadership roles.
- Develop Technology Skills: Learning to use financial software and tools can improve efficiency. This can lead to higher pay and more responsibilities.
- Network: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities and higher salaries. Networking with peers and industry leaders can provide insights and connections.