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:
Project Cost Controller II Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.58% |
| Construction Accounting | 2.97% |
| KPI | 1.98% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Thinking | $124,416 | |
| Gathering Information | $101,952 | |
| Cost Estimation | $95,040 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Next Role
Advancement
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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a Project Cost Controller II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,682 in 2023 to around $83,206 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Cost Controller II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $85,682 |
| 2024 | $83,758 |
| 2025 | $83,206 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Cost Controller II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: