Controller Salaries

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Controller make?

The average salary for a Controller is $109,557 per year in the US.

The role of a Controller offers attractive earning potential. The average yearly salary for this position stands at about $109,557. Many Controllers earn between $32,000 and $187,000, depending on experience and location. The majority fall within the range of $74,273 to $158,818, reflecting a blend of roles and responsibilities.


Controllers often start their careers in entry-level positions earning about $32,000. As they gain experience and take on more responsibilities, salaries can rise significantly. For those with several years of experience, earnings can reach over $100,000, with some highly experienced professionals earning as much as $187,000.


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What are the highest paying cities for a Controller?

Job seekers looking for Controller positions should consider cities such as San Francisco and Santa Rosa in California, where average salaries are among the highest at $144,132 and $139,083, respectively. Other notable cities include Salinas and Bakersfield, with salaries around $138,236 and $135,416. These cities provide excellent opportunities for professionals aiming to earn competitive pay in the finance sector.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $144,132 and Riverside, CA with the lowest at $125,620.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $144,132
    Working in San Francisco offers a fast-paced environment with many tech companies around. Major firms like Twitter and Uber make the city an exciting place for financial professionals.
    Find Controller jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $139,083
    Santa Rosa boasts a vibrant economy with a focus on agriculture and wine. Local companies value strong financial management, creating opportunities for skilled experts.
    Find Controller jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $138,236
    Salinas, known for its agriculture, offers unique opportunities in finance for businesses in the farming industry. Local firms seek finance specialists to help manage their operations.
    Find Controller jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $135,416
    Bakersfield's economy is driven by oil and agriculture. Professionals in finance play an important role in helping local businesses thrive in these key sectors.
    Find Controller jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $134,668
    Modesto has a strong agricultural base and offers a friendly business environment. Professionals in finance are essential to managing resources and helping local companies grow.
    Find Controller jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $134,642
    As a hub of technology, San Jose has many opportunities for finance professionals. Large companies like Cisco and Adobe appreciate skilled financial experts to support their operations.
    Find Controller jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $132,140
    Los Angeles offers diverse industries, from entertainment to tech. Finance professionals find rewarding opportunities to work with various companies in this vibrant market.
    Find Controller jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $129,861
    Sacramento, the state capital, thrives with opportunities in government and healthcare. Financial leaders in these sectors help ensure stability and growth.
    Find Controller jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $126,336
    Boston is a financial powerhouse with a rich history in banking and education. Many firms seek finance experts to navigate the competitive landscape.
    Find Controller jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $125,620
    Riverside has a growing economy focused on logistics and education. Companies here value financial professionals to drive efficiency and growth.
    Find Controller jobs in Riverside, CA

What are the best companies a Controller can work for?

Gulf Winds offers the highest average salary for Controller jobs at an impressive $208,000. Other well-paying companies include ROARK and ghj, with average salaries of $170,417 and $160,121 respectively. Michael Page and American Medical Associates also present strong compensation options, with salaries around $159,000.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Controller jobs, highlighting Gulf Winds with the highest at $208,000 and Kforce with the lowest at $145,383.
  1. Gulf Winds
    Average Salary: $208,000
    Gulf Winds operates in transportation and logistics. As a Controller, you will manage accounting functions and financial reports. This company has locations across the Gulf Coast region.


  2. ROARK
    Average Salary: $170,417
    ROARK specializes in private equity investments. The Controller plays a key role in financial strategy and reporting. The firm is based in Atlanta and has a presence in several cities across the US.


  3. ghj
    Average Salary: $160,121
    ghj is an accounting and consulting firm. Controllers here oversee financial health and ensure compliance. The company operates primarily in California.


  4. Michael Page
    Average Salary: $159,231
    Michael Page is a leading recruitment agency. They seek Controllers with financial expertise for diverse clients. Their offices are positioned in key markets across North America.


  5. American Medical Associates
    Average Salary: $159,091
    American Medical Associates focuses on healthcare management. The Controller handles financial operations within various healthcare facilities throughout the country.


  6. Leeds Professional Resources
    Average Salary: $153,188
    Leeds Professional Resources offers staffing solutions. Controllers manage internal finances while supporting operational growth. The company is based in Massachusetts but operates nationally.


  7. Grassi & Co., CPA's P.C
    Average Salary: $152,318
    Grassi & Co. is a prominent accounting firm. The Controller oversees client financial accounts and contributes to strategic planning. They serve clients across New York and other locations.


  8. Vaco
    Average Salary: $150,481
    Vaco provides consulting, staffing, and executive search services. Controllers here support financial reporting for various sectors. The company operates mainly in major cities throughout the US.


  9. 3P Partners
    Average Salary: $149,423
    3P Partners focuses on investment and advisory services. The Controller will oversee financial records and audits across the firm's offices located in key investment cities.


  10. Kforce
    Average Salary: $145,383
    Kforce is a staffing agency known for specializing in technology and finance. As a Controller, you will manage financial operations for a range of clients primarily in the United States.

How to earn more as a Controller?

As a Controller, boosting your earning potential involves focusing on several key factors. Here are five important areas to consider:

  1. Education and Certifications: Higher education, such as a master’s degree in accounting or finance, can lead to better-paying roles. Additionally, earning certifications like CPA or CMA shows expertise and can increase your value.
  2. Experience: Gaining experience in different industries or larger companies can enhance your skills and marketability. More years in the field often correlate with higher salaries.
  3. Networking: Building connections within your industry can open doors to better job opportunities. Attend industry events and join relevant associations to meet professionals who can help your career.
  4. Specialization: Focusing on areas such as tax, auditing, or financial planning can make you more attractive to employers seeking specific expertise. Specialized knowledge can lead to higher pay.
  5. Performance and Results: Demonstrating the ability to improve efficiencies and drive financial success can make a significant impact. Companies reward those who contribute to their bottom line, often with increased compensation.

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Currently 2,175 Controller job openings, nationwide!

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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
2,175 Job Openings