As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Cost Controller III in the United States is $108,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Project Cost Controller III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Cost Controller III'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 III'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 | $70,707 |
| Project Cost Controller II | 2-4 years | $86,396 |
| Project Cost Controller III | 4-7 years | $108,625 |
| Project Cost Controller IV | 7+ years | $131,818 |
| Project Cost Controller V | 7-10 years | $155,328 |
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 Project Cost Controller IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.58% |
| Construction Accounting | 2.97% |
| KPI | 1.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
ERP Systems
|
$125,005 |
15%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$122,831 |
13%
|
|
Program Management
|
$121,744 |
12%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$120,657 |
11%
|
|
KPI
|
$120,657 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$119,570 |
10%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Cost Controller IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $101,200 and $108,496).
Project Cost Controller III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.8% |
| High School | 8.3% |
| Associates | 5.6% |
| Bachelors | 58.3% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Project Cost Controller III'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Cost Controller III, 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/Sr. Project Manager - EPIC Certified | $131,800 | 21% |
| Manufacturing Program Manager IV | $129,900 | 20% |
| Engineering Program Improvement Manager IV | $129,900 | 20% |
| Internal Project Management/Consulting IV | $130,600 | 20% |
Salaries for a Project Cost Controller III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,736 in 2023 to around $101,849 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Cost Controller III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,736 |
| 2024 | $102,515 |
| 2025 | $101,849 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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To become a project controls manager, you typically need a bachelor's degree in project management, construction management, or engineering, along with at least five years of industry experience. Supervisory experience is advantageous for developing leadership and communication skills. The salary for a Project Cost Controller ranges from $94,400 to $119,800, with a midpoint of $107,000.
The position of a Project Cost Controller is considered high within a firm due to the advanced skills and qualifications required. With salaries ranging from $94,400 to $119,800, this role demands significant experience in accounting, financial reporting, and tax-related issues, reflecting its importance in managing project finances effectively.
A career as a project cost controller can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $94,400 to $119,800, depending on experience and industry. Given their crucial role in ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, the job outlook is generally positive, though demand may vary across sectors like construction and technology.
In the USA, a Project Cost Controller typically earns between $94,400 and $119,800 annually, with a mid-salary of around $107,000. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.
The highest salary for a Project Cost Controller is $119,800 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 $94,400 and $119,800, with a midpoint of $107,000.
Project Cost Controllers typically earn between £94,400 and £119,800 annually, with a median salary of £107,000. This reflects a significant difference compared to other project controller roles, which may show lower median salaries around £37,500 to £50,000. The salary range indicates a strong demand for skilled professionals in this field.
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.)
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