As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plant Controller in the United States is $117,393 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Plant Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Plant 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Plant 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Plant Controller | $113,040 |
| Intermediate Level Plant Controller | $113,563 |
| Senior Level Plant Controller | $115,304 |
| Specialist Level Plant Controller | $117,393 |
| Expert Level Plant Controller | $119,932 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Plant Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.07% |
| Financial Statements | 1.82% |
| ERP Systems | 1.3% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Financial Statements
|
$123,263 |
5%
|
|
Project Management
|
$122,089 |
4%
|
|
Insight
|
$122,089 |
4%
|
|
Financial Management
|
$122,089 |
4%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$122,089 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$120,915 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Plant Controllers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Plant Controller with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $122,934 and $131,506).
Plant Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 14.3% |
| High School | 35.7% |
| Associates | 14.3% |
| Bachelors | 35.7% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Plant 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 March 01, 2026For a Plant Controller, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Accounting Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $159,690 - a projected growth of 36% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Plant Controller and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Plant Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Plant 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 Plant Controller earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Plant Controller is $148,068.
The highest pay for Plant Controller is $136,509.
The lowest pay for Plant Controller is $95,108.
Manages all financial control and accounting activities of a plant including general and cost accounting, payables/receivables and payroll. Ensures the plant's financial control processes and systems comply with company policies, applicable regulations, and provide required information. Monitors plant operation results against operating plans and direct the preparation of financial, production output, and other reports used to measure and control plant activities and costs. Leads the plant financial and capital budgeting process. Recommends and implements programs to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs. May require a CPA. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or equivalent. Typically reports to top management. 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.
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.)
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