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How much does Controller make?
Total pay range
$123K - $211K/yr
$160K/yrMedian total pay
Pay breakdown
$91K - $151K/yrBase pay
$32K - $59K/yrAdditional pay
About our data
Confident
Last updated Apr 10, 202512.7K Salaries submitted
How accurate is a total pay range of $123K-$211K/yr?
Your input helps Glassdoor refine our pay estimates over time.
Top paying industries
The top 5 paying industries for Controller in United States are Energy, Mining & Utilities with a median total pay of $203,167, Information Technology with a median total pay of $197,358, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology with a median total pay of $171,676, Aerospace & Defense with a median total pay of $165,261, and Agriculture with a median total pay of $158,819.
Jobs in finance and accounting are expected to see continued demand, with employment growth linked to the health of the broader economy. These jobs will continue to offer above average pay but usually require higher education or certification to enter the field. While automation will replace many common tasks, it is not expected to reduce the need for these employees; it will instead allow them to focus on core soft skills like advising clients and analyzing trends.
Controller salary in US
A Controller salary range in US can vary based on important factors such as education, skills, certifications, and years of experience. A Controller in US can expect to see an entry level salary range of $57,032 to $164,988 per year, based on 12,772 salary contributions. At the highest seniority level, an experienced Controller in US can make a salary range of $84,646 to $197,842 with at least 2 years of experience, based on 73 salary contributions. The top 3 companies in US where a Controller gets the highest compensation are The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Bloomberg L.P. and D.R. Horton, Inc.. Bigger companies typically pay 11.06% more than smaller companies for a Controller.
Frequently asked questions about Controller salaries
The average salary for Controller is $159,652 per year or $77 per hour, with top earners making up to $268,061 (90th percentile). Typically, pay ranges from $122,618 (25th percentile) to $210,736 (75th percentile) annually. Salary estimates are based on 12671 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Controller employees.
The highest salary for Controller is $210,736 per year, $17,561 per month or $101 per hour.
The lowest salary for Controller is $122,618 per year, $10,218 per month or $59 per hour.
The salary trajectory of Controller ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at $94,114 per year (estimate) and goes up to $309,993 per year (estimate) for the highest level of seniority.
Controllers are often among the top earning individuals in an organization. This premium reflects their extensive experience and critical role. Controllers for private sector firms can usually increase their pay by making companies more profitable and earning bonuses. Additionally, they can establish a strong reputation and move to larger firms.
According to anonymous employee ratings, about 73% of controllers are content with their salaries. Bonuses and profit sharing could add an average of $42,343.00 to their yearly salaries. Education and experience can also help increase compensation, which may qualify them as making good money.
Seeking a master's degree could help you make more money as a controller. Some employers require applicants to have a master's of business administration (MBA). Likewise, earning a certified public accountant (CPA) certification could provide high-paying job opportunities. Some states require a certain amount of college credits and job experience before you can take the CPA exam. Another method is to acquire years of on-the-job experience to make your resume stand out. Learning new skills, software, and programming languages allows you to take on bigger projects, which potentially leads to bonuses and overtime hours.
Discuss your education when you apply for new controller jobs. If you have a bachelor's or master's degree, talk about your field of study and how it applies to the job you're applying for. Mention your years of experience, and discuss the advanced projects that you completed with other employers. Highlight the certifications that you've earned, particularly a CPA designation. Similarly, note the programs and software that you can use, such as Microsoft Office and accounting systems. You could also list related in-demand skills, such as giving presentations, taking on leadership roles, and working with clients.