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Corporate Controller Salary in the United States

How much does a Corporate Controller make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Corporate Controller in the United States is $307,829 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $148.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $352,805
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $283,744 to $331,371
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $261,816
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Corporate Controller Salaries

A Corporate 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 Corporate Controller Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Corporate 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): $293,090
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $295,247
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $298,123
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $302,437
  • Expert (over 8 years): $307,829
Levels Salary
Entry Level Corporate Controller$293,090
Intermediate Level Corporate Controller$295,247
Senior Level Corporate Controller$298,123
Specialist Level Corporate Controller$302,437
Expert Level Corporate Controller$307,829
View as Graph

How Do Corporate 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 Corporate Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $340,828.
  • California: $339,535.
  • Massachusetts: $335,010.

Top Paying Cities for Corporate 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: $388,265
  • San Francisco: $384,014
  • Oakland: $375,921

Corporate Controller Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Corporate Controller salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $344,597. While startup companies pay approximate $291,521.

Corporate Controller Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $291,521
Growth Stage 51~500 $308,318
Established 501~5000 $332,769
Enterprise 5000+ $344,597

Corporate Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Corporate Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 37% above the average. In contrast, Corporate Controller positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Corporate Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Corporate Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$421,726$203.037%
Financial Services$390,943$188.027%
Biotechnology$375,551$181.022%
Pharmaceuticals$366,317$176.019%
Energy & Utilities$360,160$173.017%

Corporate Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Corporate 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 August 01, 2026
$283,744
Average $307,829/year
$331,371
$23,645
Average $25,652/month
$27,614
$5,457
Average $5,920/week
$6,373
$136
Average $148/hour
$159
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $331,371 $27,614 $6,373 $159
Average $307,829 $25,652 $5,920 $148
25th Percentile $283,744 $23,645 $5,457 $136

Most common benefits for Corporate Controller

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

Common company salaries for Corporate Controller

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

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FAQ about Corporate Controller

1. Where can a Corporate Controller earn the most?

A Corporate 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 Corporate Controller earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Corporate Controller is $388,265.

2. What is the highest pay for Corporate Controller?

The highest pay for Corporate Controller is $352,805.

3. What is the lowest pay for Corporate Controller?

The lowest pay for Corporate Controller is $261,816.

4. What are the responsibilities of Corporate Controller?

Leads and directs an organization's accounting functions. Establishes and maintains the organization's overall accounting systems, procedures, and policies. Directs all analysis and reporting of financial information including budgets, planning, and required filings and reports. Presents findings and recommendations to management. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Typically requires Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Typically reports to top management. Manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes/implements overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. Typically requires 10+ years of progressive leadership experience. Has extensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Corporate Controller?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Corporate Controller roles, with salaries approximately 37% 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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