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Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Business Unit Controller, Sr. in the United States is $180,216 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $87.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $216,975
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $164,493 to $199,457
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $150,178
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salaries

A Business Unit Controller, Sr.'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, Sr. Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Business Unit Controller, Sr.'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): $174,349
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $175,053
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $176,696
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $178,573
  • Expert (over 8 years): $180,790
Levels Salary
Entry Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$174,349
Intermediate Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$175,053
Senior Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$176,696
Specialist Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$178,573
Expert Level Business Unit Controller, Sr.$180,790
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How Do Business Unit Controller, Sr.s 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 Controller, Sr.s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $199,535.
  • California: $198,778.
  • Massachusetts: $196,129.

Top Paying Cities for Business Unit Controller, Sr.

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: $227,306
  • San Francisco: $224,818
  • Oakland: $220,080

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 14.02% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • User Stories (Mentioned in 2.03% Job Postings): In software development and product management, a user story is an informal, natural language description of one or more features of a software system. User stories are often written from the perspective of an end user or user of a system. They are often recorded on index cards, on Post-it notes, or in project management software. Depending on the project, user stories may be written by various stakeholders including clients, users, managers or development team members. User stories are a type of boundary object. They facilitate sensemaking and communication; that is, they help software teams organize their understanding of the system and its context. User stories are often confused with system requirements. A requirement is a formal description of need; a user story is an informal description of a feature.
  • Test Plans (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): A test plan is a document detailing the objectives, resources, and processes for a specific test for a software or hardware product. The plan typically contains a detailed understanding of the eventual workflow.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 14.02%
User Stories 2.03%
Test Plans 1.35%
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, Sr.'s salary.

  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • PowerPoint: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Decision Making $189,227
5%
PowerPoint $187,425
4%
Leadership $185,622
3%
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Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Business Unit Controller, Sr. salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $201,741. While startup companies pay approximate $170,668.

Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $170,668
Growth Stage 51~500 $180,502
Established 501~5000 $194,817
Enterprise 5000+ $201,741

Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Business Unit Controller, Sr. roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Business Unit Controller, Sr. positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Business Unit Controller, Sr. as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Business Unit Controller, Sr.

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$252,302$121.040%
Energy & Utilities$234,281$113.030%
Aerospace & Defense$225,270$108.025%
Financial Services$216,259$104.020%
Biotechnology$207,248$100.015%

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

Understanding how a Business Unit Controller, Sr.'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 August 01, 2026
$164,493
Average $180,216/year
$199,457
$13,708
Average $15,018/month
$16,621
$3,163
Average $3,466/week
$3,836
$79
Average $87/hour
$96
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $199,457 $16,621 $3,836 $96
Average $180,216 $15,018 $3,466 $87
25th Percentile $164,493 $13,708 $3,163 $79

Business Unit Controller, Sr. Salary Growth & Career Path

Business Unit Controller, Sr.

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Advancement

For a Business Unit Controller, Sr., the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Financial Control Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $177,479 - a projected growth of -2% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Business Unit Controller, Sr.

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

Common company salaries for Business Unit Controller, Sr.

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

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FAQ about Business Unit Controller, Sr.

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

A Business Unit Controller, Sr.'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, Sr. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Business Unit Controller, Sr. is $227,306.

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

The highest pay for Business Unit Controller, Sr. is $216,975.

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

The lowest pay for Business Unit Controller, Sr. is $150,178.

4. What are the responsibilities of Business Unit Controller, Sr.?

Directs the overall accounting functions for a large 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. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Business Unit Controller, Sr. roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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