University Controller Salary in the United States

How much does an University Controller make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Controller in the United States is $153,815 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $208,028
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $133,868 to $182,192
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $115,707
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View as table View as graph 25% $133,868 10% $115,707 90% $208,028 75% $182,192 $153,815 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

University Controller Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $182,192 $15,183 $3,504 $88
Average $153,815 $12,818 $2,958 $74
25th Percentile $133,868 $11,156 $2,574 $64
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Key Factors That Influence University Controller Salaries

An University 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.

How Do University Controller 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 University Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $170,304.
  • California: $169,658.
  • Massachusetts: $167,397.

Top Paying Cities for University Controllers

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: $194,007
  • San Francisco: $191,883
  • Oakland: $187,839

What Skills Can Increase an University Controller's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 12.18% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Quality Control (Mentioned in 2.01% Job Postings): Developing and implementing a set of procedures intended to maintain the quality of a product and reduce any risks or errors.
  • Golf Course Maintenance (Mentioned in 1.34% Job Postings): Golf course maintenance may include repairs, mowing, cart availability, aeration, pest management and extermination, to name a few.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.18%
Quality Control 2.01%
Golf Course Maintenance 1.34%
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 an University Controller's salary.
  • Logistics: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Team Management: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Logistics
$172,273
12%
Project Management
$172,273
12%
Team Management
$169,197
10%
Field Operations
$169,197
10%
Attention to Detail
$167,658
9%
Initiative
$167,658
9%
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How Education impacts an University Controller's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Controllers 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 an University Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $166,900 and $185,757).

University Controller Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University Controller
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.0%
High School 2.0%
Associates 52.9%
Bachelors 7.8%
Masters 52.9%
Doctorate 37.3%
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University Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an University 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 May 01, 2026

Salary Trends for University Controller

Salaries for an University Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $121,564 in 2023 to around $119,141 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of University Controller salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of University Controller Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$121,564
2024
$121,344
2025
$119,141
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $121,564
2024 $121,344
2025 $119,141
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for University Controller

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for University Controller

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

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current University Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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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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