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Project Cost Controller V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Cost Controller V in the United States is $155,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $164,952
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $147,500 to $160,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $140,307
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Project Cost Controller V Salaries

A Project Cost Controller V'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 V'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 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
  • Project Control and Oversight Manager (10+ years): $152,066
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Project Control and Oversight Manager10+ years$152,066
View as Graph

How Do Project Cost Controller V 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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $172,000.
  • California: $171,400.
  • Massachusetts: $169,100.

Top Paying Cities for Project Cost Controller Vs

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: $196,000
  • San Francisco: $193,800
  • Oakland: $189,700

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

  • MRP: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • ERP Systems: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
MRP $192,696
24%
Process Improvement $175,602
13%
ERP Systems $175,602
13%
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Project Cost Controller V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Project Cost Controller V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $173,666. While startup companies pay approximate $146,904.

Project Cost Controller V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $146,904
Growth Stage 51~500 $155,365
Established 501~5000 $167,697
Enterprise 5000+ $173,666

Project Cost Controller V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Project Cost Controller V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 5% above the average. In contrast, Project Cost Controller positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Cost Controller V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Project Cost Controller V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$163,170$78.05%
Business Services$163,170$78.05%
Construction$163,170$78.05%
Energy & Utilities$163,170$78.05%
Healthcare$163,170$78.05%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Cost Controller Vs 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 V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $147,403 and $158,070).

Project Cost Controller V Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Project Cost Controller V
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.1%
High School 6.1%
Associates 6.1%
Bachelors 50.0%
Masters 37.9%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Project Cost Controller V'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
$147,500
Average $155,400/year
$160,400
$12,292
Average $12,950/month
$13,367
$2,837
Average $2,988/week
$3,085
$71
Average $75/hour
$77
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $160,400 $13,367 $3,085 $77
Average $155,400 $12,950 $2,988 $75
25th Percentile $147,500 $12,292 $2,837 $71

Project Cost Controller V Salary Growth & Career Path

Project Cost Controller V

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Cost Controller V, 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 -15%
Manufacturing Program Management Manager $133,900 -14%
Engineering Program Improvement Manager VI $199,700 29%
Internal Project Management Supervisor $102,000 -34%

Most common benefits for Project Cost Controller V

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

Common company salaries for Project Cost Controller V

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

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FAQ about Project Cost Controller V

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Cost Controller V roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.

2. What's the highest paid project manager?

The highest paid Project Cost Controller positions can offer salaries up to $173,700 per year. These professionals are responsible for managing project budgets, ensuring costs are controlled, and providing financial insights throughout the project lifecycle. The salary range for this role typically starts at $135,200, with a midpoint of $153,600.

3. How much does a project control specialist make in the US?

A Project Control Specialist in the US typically earns between $135,200 and $173,700 annually, with a mid-salary of $153,600. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role, providing a competitive compensation package for professionals in this field.

4. What degree do you need for project controls?

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 this role ranges from $135,200 to $173,700, with a midpoint of $153,600.

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

How much does a Project Cost Controller make? The salary for a Project Cost Controller in the United States ranges from a minimum of $135,200 to a maximum of $173,700, with a mid-range salary of $153,600. This reflects the competitive nature of the role and the importance of effective cost management in projects.

6. 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 $135,200 to $173,700, this role offers competitive compensation, making it an attractive option for those in the field.

7. Is a controller a high level job?

Controllers are high-level managers responsible for overseeing a company's financial operations, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance with regulations. With salaries ranging from $135,200 to $173,700, they play a crucial role in managing the accounting team and providing key financial information to support decision-making.

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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