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Business Unit Controller Salary in the United States

How much does a Business Unit Controller make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Business Unit Controller in the United States is $138,667 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

However, a Business Unit Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,678
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $124,783 to $151,235
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $112,142
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Business Unit Controller Salaries

A Business Unit Controller'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Business Unit Controller Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Business Unit Controller'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $133,486
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $134,108
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $136,180
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $138,667
  • Expert (over 8 years): $141,856
Levels Salary
Entry Level Business Unit Controller$133,486
Intermediate Level Business Unit Controller$134,108
Senior Level Business Unit Controller$136,180
Specialist Level Business Unit Controller$138,667
Expert Level Business Unit Controller$141,856
View as Graph

How Do Business Unit Controllers 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 Business Unit Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $153,532.
  • California: $152,950.
  • Massachusetts: $150,911.

Top Paying Cities for Business Unit Controller

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: $174,901
  • San Francisco: $172,986
  • Oakland: $169,340

What Skills Can Increase a Business Unit Controller's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 10.12% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • CPA (Mentioned in 1.63% Job Postings): A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.
  • Packaging (Mentioned in 1.15% Job Postings): Preparing products through wrapping or bottling to protect the goods from damages during transportation and storage.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 10.12%
CPA 1.63%
Packaging 1.15%
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 Business Unit Controller's salary.

  • Customer Relationship: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • RFP: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Customer Relationship $152,534
10%
RFP $151,147
9%
Consulting $148,374
7%
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Business Unit Controller Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Business Unit Controller salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $154,966. While startup companies pay approximate $131,086.

Business Unit Controller Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $131,086
Growth Stage 51~500 $138,636
Established 501~5000 $149,640
Enterprise 5000+ $154,966

Business Unit Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Business Unit Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Business Unit Controller positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Business Unit Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Business Unit Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$208,000$100.050%
Financial Services$194,134$93.040%
Biotechnology$180,267$87.030%
Pharmaceuticals$180,267$87.030%

Business Unit Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Business Unit Controller'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
$124,783
Average $138,667/year
$151,235
$10,399
Average $11,556/month
$12,603
$2,400
Average $2,667/week
$2,908
$60
Average $67/hour
$73
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $151,235 $12,603 $2,908 $73
Average $138,667 $11,556 $2,667 $67
25th Percentile $124,783 $10,399 $2,400 $60

Business Unit Controller Salary Growth & Career Path

Business Unit Controller

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Business Unit Controller, 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
Financial Control Senior Manager $163,176 18%
Business Unit Controller, Sr. $180,253 30%

Most common benefits for Business Unit Controller

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

Common company salaries for Business Unit Controller

Here are companies hiring for Business Unit Controller and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Business Unit Controller

1. Where can a Business Unit Controller earn the most?

A Business Unit Controller's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Business Unit Controller earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Business Unit Controller is $174,901.

2. What is the highest pay for Business Unit Controller?

The highest pay for Business Unit Controller is $162,678.

3. What is the lowest pay for Business Unit Controller?

The lowest pay for Business Unit Controller is $112,142.

4. What are the responsibilities of Business Unit Controller?

Directs the overall accounting functions for a single business unit. Collects and compiles financial data at the business unit level and oversees the preparation of forecasts, tax filings, financial, budget, auditing and other reports. Ensures that the business unit complies with accounting regulations and standards and adheres to company policies and procedures. Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Business Unit Controller?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Business Unit Controller roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

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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