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Project Cost Controller II Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Cost Controller II in the United States is $86,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $104,931
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $79,400 to $96,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,027

Key Factors That Influence Project Cost Controller II Salaries

A Project Cost Controller II'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 II'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): $70,699
  • Project Cost Controller II (2-4 years): $86,379
  • Project Cost Controller III (4-7 years): $108,589
  • Project Cost Controller IV (7+ years): $134,178
  • Project Cost Controller V (7-10 years): $157,489
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Project Cost Controller I0-2 years$70,699
Project Cost Controller II2-4 years$86,379
Project Cost Controller III4-7 years$108,589
Project Cost Controller IV7+ years$134,178
Project Cost Controller V7-10 years$157,489

How Do Project Cost Controller II 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $95,700.
  • California: $95,300.
  • Massachusetts: $94,100.

Top Paying Cities for Project Cost Controller IIs

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: $109,000
  • San Francisco: $107,800
  • Oakland: $105,500

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 8.58% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Construction Accounting (Mentioned in 2.97% Job Postings): A form of project accounting applied to construction projects. Construction accounting is a vitally necessary form of accounting, especially when multiple contracts come into play.
  • KPI (Mentioned in 1.98% Job Postings): KPI stands for key performance indicator, a quantifiable measure of performance over time for a specific objective.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 8.58%
Construction Accounting 2.97%
KPI 1.98%

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 II's salary.

  • Creative Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 44%.
  • Gathering Information: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Cost Estimation: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Creative Thinking $124,416
44%
Gathering Information $101,952
18%
Cost Estimation $95,040
10%

Project Cost Controller II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Project Cost Controller II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $96,457. While startup companies pay approximate $81,674.

Project Cost Controller II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $81,674
Growth Stage 51~500 $86,360
Established 501~5000 $93,136
Enterprise 5000+ $96,457

Project Cost Controller II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project Cost Controller II 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 Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Project Cost Controller positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Cost Controller II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Project Cost Controller II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$103,680$50.020%
Biotechnology$103,680$50.020%
Business Services$103,680$50.020%
Chemicals$103,680$50.020%
Construction$103,680$50.020%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Cost Controller IIs 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $84,088 and $90,594).

Project Cost Controller II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Project Cost Controller II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.4%
High School 5.4%
Associates 6.8%
Bachelors 62.2%
Masters 25.7%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a Project Cost Controller II'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 October 01, 2026
$79,400
Average $86,400/year
$96,100
$6,617
Average $7,200/month
$8,008
$1,527
Average $1,662/week
$1,848
$38
Average $42/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,100 $8,008 $1,848 $46
Average $86,400 $7,200 $1,662 $42
25th Percentile $79,400 $6,617 $1,527 $38

Project Cost Controller II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Cost Controller II, 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.

Project Cost Controller II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Coordinator/Project Manager-Cerner Certified $105,900 23%
Manufacturing Program Manager III $111,400 29%
Engineering Program Improvement Manager III $111,400 29%
Internal Project Manager III $116,000 34%

Most common benefits for Project Cost Controller II

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

Common company salaries for Project Cost Controller II

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

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FAQ about Project Cost Controller II

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

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

2. How much does a director of project controls make?

A Project Cost Controller typically earns between $79,600 and $103,900, with a mid-salary of $90,000. This role requires proven experience in implementing and managing project controls systems, including financial and scheduling controls, for major capital projects.

3. What's the highest paid project manager?

The highest paid Project Cost Controller can earn up to $103,900 annually. The salary range for this position typically starts at $79,600, with a midpoint salary of $90,000. This reflects the competitive nature of the role and the expertise required to manage project costs effectively.

4. Is a project controller a good career?

A career as a project cost controller can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $79,600 to $103,900, depending on experience and industry. Their role is crucial in ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, leading to a strong job outlook. Demand may vary across sectors like construction and technology, influenced by industry performance.

5. How much do project controllers make in the US?

Project Cost Controllers in the US typically earn between $79,600 and $103,900 annually. The average salary is around $90,000. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role, with higher salaries often associated with more senior positions or specialized skills.

6. How much does a cost controller make in the US?

How much does a Cost Controller make? The salary for a Cost Controller in the United States ranges from a minimum of $79,600 to a maximum of $103,900, with a mid-range salary of $90,000. This translates to approximately $38.25 to $49.95 per hour, or $1,530 to $2,000 per week, depending on experience and location.

7. Is a controller a high level job?

A Project Cost Controller is considered a mid-level to high-level position, depending on the organization. With a salary range from $79,600 to $103,900, it reflects the importance of managing project budgets and costs effectively. This role requires significant expertise and responsibility, making it a vital part of project management.

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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