As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Financial Controller in District of Columbia is $281,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $135.
However, a Financial Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Financial Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Financial Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Controller | 5+ years | $180,646 |
| Director, Financial Controls | 5+ years | $196,505 |
| Financial Controller | 5+ years | $281,181 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Financial Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Financial Controller salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $314,787. While startup companies pay approximate $266,303.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $266,303 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $281,646 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $303,983 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $314,787 |
For Financial Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Financial Controller positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Financial Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $343,064 | $165.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $337,440 | $162.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $331,816 | $160.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $314,944 | $151.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $309,320 | $149.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Financial Controller's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Financial Controller, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Comptroller role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $340,900 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Financial Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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