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Project Cost Controller I Salary in the United States

How much does a Project Cost Controller I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Cost Controller I in the United States is $70,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a Project Cost Controller I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,500
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,500 to $77,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,855
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Project Cost Controller I Salaries

A Project Cost Controller I'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Project Cost Controller Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Project Cost Controller I'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:

  • Project Cost Controller I (0-2 years): $70,700
  • Project Cost Controller II (2-4 years): $86,382
  • Project Cost Controller III (4-7 years): $108,595
  • Project Cost Controller IV (7+ years): $131,818
  • Project Cost Controller V (7-10 years): $155,328
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Project Cost Controller I0-2 years$70,700
Project Cost Controller II2-4 years$86,382
Project Cost Controller III4-7 years$108,595
Project Cost Controller IV7+ years$131,818
Project Cost Controller V7-10 years$155,328
View as Graph

How Do Project Cost Controller I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Project Cost Controller Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $78,300.
  • California: $78,000.
  • Massachusetts: $77,000.

Top Paying Cities for Project Cost Controller Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $89,200
  • San Francisco: $88,200
  • Oakland: $86,400

What Skills Can Increase a Project Cost Controller I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.67% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Quotations (Mentioned in 2.95% Job Postings): A quotation is the repetition of a sentence, phrase, or passage from speech or text that someone has said or written. In oral speech, it is the representation of an utterance that is introduced by a quotative marker, such as a verb of saying.
  • Procurement (Mentioned in 1.32% Job Postings): Procurement is the process of finding and agreeing to terms, and acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source, often via a tendering or competitive bidding process. Procurement is used to ensure the buyer receives goods, services, or works at the best possible price when aspects such as quality, quantity, time, and location are compared. Corporations and public bodies often define processes intended to promote fair and open competition for their business while minimizing risks such as exposure to fraud and collusion. Almost all purchasing decisions include factors such as delivery and handling, marginal benefit, and price fluctuations. Procurement generally involves making buying decisions under conditions of scarcity. If sound data is available, it is good practice to make use of economic analysis methods such as cost-benefit analysis or cost-utility analysis.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.67%
Quotations 2.95%
Procurement 1.32%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Project Cost Controller I's salary.

  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • RFI: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Consulting $82,719
17%
Oral Communication $77,063
9%
RFI $76,356
8%
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Project Cost Controller I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Project Cost Controller I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $79,010. While startup companies pay approximate $66,835.

Project Cost Controller I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $66,835
Growth Stage 51~500 $70,684
Established 501~5000 $76,294
Enterprise 5000+ $79,010

Project Cost Controller I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project Cost Controller I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Project Cost Controller positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Cost Controller I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Project Cost Controller I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$84,840$41.020%

How Education impacts a Project Cost Controller I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Cost Controller Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Project Cost Controller I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $68,445 and $72,288).

Project Cost Controller I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Project Cost Controller I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.5%
High School 6.9%
Associates 11.5%
Bachelors 69.2%
Masters 10.8%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Project Cost Controller I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Project Cost Controller I'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 September 01, 2026
$64,500
Average $70,700/year
$77,400
$5,375
Average $5,892/month
$6,450
$1,240
Average $1,360/week
$1,488
$31
Average $34/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,400 $6,450 $1,488 $37
Average $70,700 $5,892 $1,360 $34
25th Percentile $64,500 $5,375 $1,240 $31

Project Cost Controller I Salary Growth & Career Path

Project Cost Controller I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Cost Controller I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Coordinator/Project Manager-Cerner Certified $105,900 50%
Manufacturing Program Manager II $87,800 24%
Engineering Program Improvement Manager III $111,400 58%
Internal Project Manager II $94,800 34%

Most common benefits for Project Cost Controller I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Project Cost Controller I

Here are companies hiring for Project Cost Controller I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Project Cost Controller I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Project Cost Controller I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Cost Controller I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How to become a cost controller?

To become a cost controller, you should have a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field, along with several years of industry experience. Your responsibilities will include verifying costs with vendors, estimating expenditures, and recommending cost-saving measures. The salary for a Project Cost Controller typically ranges from $66,100 to $81,800, with a midpoint of $73,000.

3. What is the highest salary for a controller?

The highest salary for a Project Cost Controller is $81,800 per year. These professionals typically report to the CFO and are responsible for managing budgets, audits, and financial reports, ensuring compliance with tax codes and regulations. The salary range for this role is between $66,100 and $81,800, with a midpoint of $73,000.

4. How to become a project controller?

To become a project cost controller, focus on education, experience, and skill development in project management, financial reporting, planning, and cost control. Certifications like PMP or Prince2, along with proficiency in project control tools, enhance your career prospects. The salary range for this role is between $66,100 and $81,800, with a midpoint of $73,000.

5. Is controller an entry level job?

A Project Cost Controller is not an entry-level job. This role typically requires significant experience in accounting and project management. Salaries for this position range from $66,100 to $81,800, with a midpoint of $73,000, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in overseeing project costs effectively.

6. What is the highest salary for a controller?

The highest salary for a Project Cost Controller is $81,800 per year, based on the provided salary data. While some cities may offer higher salaries for controllers, this figure represents the maximum for this specific role.

7. What's the highest paid project manager?

The highest paid Project Cost Controller typically earns between $66,100 and $81,800 annually, with a mid-salary of $73,000. While specific project manager roles may offer higher salaries, the Project Cost Controller position provides a competitive salary range within the project management field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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