Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Project Cost Controller IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Cost Controller IV in the United States is $131,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,419
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $121,700 to $139,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $112,413
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Project Cost Controller IV Salaries

A Project Cost Controller IV'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 IV'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 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
  • Project Cost Controller (10+ years): $116,152
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Project Cost Controller10+ years$116,152
View as Graph

How Do Project Cost Controller IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $146,000.
  • California: $145,400.
  • Massachusetts: $143,500.

Top Paying Cities for Project Cost Controller IVs

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: $166,300
  • San Francisco: $164,500
  • Oakland: $161,000

What Skills Can Increase a Project Cost Controller IV'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%
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 IV's salary.

  • Injection Molding: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Cost Estimation: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • CAD: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Injection Molding $160,918
22%
Cost Estimation $150,366
14%
CAD $149,047
13%
Get Latest Data

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

Project Cost Controller IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $147,404. While startup companies pay approximate $124,689.

Project Cost Controller IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $124,689
Growth Stage 51~500 $131,871
Established 501~5000 $142,337
Enterprise 5000+ $147,404

Project Cost Controller IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project Cost Controller IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Project Cost Controller positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Cost Controller IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Project Cost Controller IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$164,875$79.025%
Biotechnology$151,685$73.015%
Internet$147,728$71.012%
Energy & Utilities$145,090$70.010%
Financial Services$145,090$70.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Cost Controller IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,304 and $130,949).

Project Cost Controller IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Project Cost Controller IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 11.6%
High School 11.6%
Associates 4.7%
Bachelors 48.8%
Masters 34.9%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Project Cost Controller IV'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
$121,700
Average $131,900/year
$139,500
$10,142
Average $10,992/month
$11,625
$2,340
Average $2,537/week
$2,683
$59
Average $63/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,500 $11,625 $2,683 $67
Average $131,900 $10,992 $2,537 $63
25th Percentile $121,700 $10,142 $2,340 $59

Project Cost Controller IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Project Cost Controller IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Cost Controller IV, 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 0%
Manufacturing Program Manager V $152,600 16%
Engineering Program Improvement Manager V $151,500 15%
Internal Project Manager V $154,100 17%

Most common benefits for Project Cost Controller IV

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

Common company salaries for Project Cost Controller IV

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

Find Your Next Project Cost Controller IV Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Cost Controller IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Project Cost Controller IV

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Cost Controller IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the salary of cost controller in Dubai?

The salary of a Project Cost Controller in Dubai typically ranges from AED 111,500 to AED 145,200 annually, with a mid-range salary of AED 129,900. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role in the region, aligning with industry standards for similar positions.

3. What is a project cost controller?

A Project Cost Controller is a financial expert responsible for managing project expenditures. They ensure projects stay within budget by estimating and analyzing costs, including labor hours, supplies, and infrastructure. The salary for this role typically ranges from $111,500 to $145,200, with a midpoint of $129,900, reflecting the expertise required in this position.

4. Is cost control a good job?

A career as a Cost Controller can be a good choice for individuals with an interest in finance and accounting, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a desire to manage and control expenses. With salaries ranging from $111,500 to $145,200, this role offers competitive compensation, making it an attractive option for those in the field.

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

Project Cost Controllers in the US typically earn between $111,500 and $145,200 annually. The average salary is around $129,900, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the compensation landscape for this role, highlighting the potential earnings based on experience and expertise.

6. Is project management a good career in USA?

Project management is a promising career in the USA, especially for roles like Project Cost Controller, with salaries ranging from $111,500 to $145,200. The mid-salary is approximately $129,900, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this field. As the industry grows, salaries are likely to increase further, making it an attractive career choice.

7. Do controllers make a lot of money?

Do controllers make a lot of money? A. The salary range for a Project Cost Controller is $111,500 to $145,200, with a mid-salary of $129,900. This indicates that controllers can earn a competitive salary, reflecting their important role in managing project finances effectively.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job