Position
Salary

How much does a Controller make?

The average salary for a Controller is $116,048 per year in the US.

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 $116,048. This means 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 the salary ranges for different percentiles:

  • 10th percentile: $60,000
  • 25th percentile: $72,045
  • 50th percentile: $96,136
  • 75th percentile: $120,227
  • 90th percentile: $156,364

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What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

Job seekers looking for Controller positions can find some of the highest salaries in California. San Jose and San Francisco lead the way, offering average salaries of $148,494 and $143,572, respectively. Other cities like Salinas, Bakersfield, and Modesto also provide competitive pay for this role. Beyond California, Boston and Los Angeles offer attractive salaries for Controllers. Boston pays an average of $131,562, while Los Angeles offers $137,775. These cities present excellent opportunities for those seeking both high pay and dynamic work environments.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $148,494 and Santa Rosa, CA with the lowest at $129,684.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $148,494
    In San Jose, a financial expert can find rewarding roles in tech giants like Intel and Cisco. The city offers a dynamic environment with a strong focus on innovation and growth.
    Find Controller jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $143,572
    San Francisco is home to many financial firms, including Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs. Working here means being part of a vibrant financial hub with numerous opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Controller jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $142,153
    Salinas offers a more relaxed pace while still providing opportunities in agriculture and food processing companies. It's a great place for those who value a balanced lifestyle.
    Find Controller jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $141,307
    Bakersfield has a strong presence of oil and gas companies, offering specialized roles in finance. The city provides a stable job market with a focus on energy sector growth.
    Find Controller jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $137,876
    Modesto is a growing city with a mix of industries, including agriculture and healthcare. It offers a supportive community and a chance to work in a variety of sectors.
    Find Controller jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $137,775
    Los Angeles boasts a diverse job market with opportunities in entertainment, technology, and finance. Working here means being part of a bustling metropolis with endless possibilities.
    Find Controller jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $131,786
    Sacramento offers a mix of government and private sector jobs. It's a great place for those interested in public service and finance, with a growing job market.
    Find Controller jobs in Sacramento, CA


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $131,562
    Boston is a historic city with a strong financial sector. Companies like Fidelity and State Street offer exciting roles. It's a place where tradition meets innovation.
    Find Controller jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $130,968
    Riverside provides a mix of industries, including education and healthcare. It offers a family-friendly environment with a growing job market.
    Find Controller jobs in Riverside, CA


  10. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $129,684
    Santa Rosa is known for its vibrant wine industry and growing tech sector. It offers a mix of traditional and modern job opportunities in a beautiful setting.
    Find Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

Alliant Insurance Services offers one of the highest salaries for Controller jobs, averaging around $192,500. American Medical Associates and Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C. also provide competitive salaries, with averages close to $160,000. These companies value financial oversight and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Alliant Insurance Services with the highest at $192,500 and Vaco with the lowest at $152,352.
  1. Alliant Insurance Services
    Average Salary: $192,500
    Alliant Insurance Services offers Controller jobs with a focus on financial management. They operate in multiple locations across the United States, providing a dynamic work environment.


  2. ghj
    Average Salary: $165,798
    ghj provides Controller positions that emphasize strategic financial planning and analysis. They serve clients across various industries, offering a broad range of opportunities.


  3. American Medical Associates
    Average Salary: $161,364
    American Medical Associates offers Controller roles that focus on healthcare financial management. They operate in several states, providing a stable and rewarding career path.


  4. Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C
    Average Salary: $160,781
    Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C. offers Controller jobs that focus on audit and accounting services. They serve clients in multiple locations, providing a comprehensive financial oversight role.


  5. HCA Healthcare
    Average Salary: $160,430
    HCA Healthcare provides Controller positions that focus on managing financial operations in healthcare facilities. They operate in many states, offering a stable and impactful career.


  6. Daley And Associates, LLC
    Average Salary: $160,238
    Daley And Associates, LLC offers Controller roles that focus on financial management and consulting. They serve clients in various locations, providing a dynamic and rewarding work environment.


  7. Precision CastParts
    Average Salary: $158,745
    Precision CastParts offers Controller jobs that focus on manufacturing financial management. They operate in multiple locations, providing a stable and impactful career.


  8. PKF O'Connor Davies
    Average Salary: $157,292
    PKF O'Connor Davies provides Controller positions that emphasize audit and accounting services. They serve clients in various locations, offering a comprehensive financial management role.


  9. Synergy Staffing Services
    Average Salary: $154,773
    Synergy Staffing Services offers Controller roles that focus on financial management and staffing solutions. They operate in multiple locations, providing a dynamic and rewarding career path.


  10. Vaco
    Average Salary: $152,352
    Vaco provides Controller positions that focus on financial management and staffing. They operate in various locations, offering a stable and impactful career.

How to earn more as a Controller?

A Controller plays a key role in managing a company's finances. This position requires a mix of skills and experience. Those who excel can earn more by focusing on certain areas. Understanding these factors can help increase earning potential.

First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Controllers with more years in the field often command higher salaries. Second, obtaining advanced certifications can boost earnings. Certifications like CPA or CMA can make a Controller more valuable. Third, specializing in a particular industry can make a Controller more attractive to employers. Industries like tech or finance often pay more. Fourth, taking on additional responsibilities can lead to higher pay. This might include managing larger budgets or more complex financial tasks. Finally, seeking out leadership roles can increase earning potential. Controllers who move into managerial positions often see a significant pay increase.

By focusing on these areas, a Controller can improve their earning potential. Each step can lead to better opportunities and higher pay.

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Obtain advanced certifications
  3. Specialize in a particular industry
  4. Take on additional responsibilities
  5. Seek out leadership roles

Currently 1,900 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
1,900 Job Openings