As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Controller in the United States is $81,777 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Merchandise Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Merchandise 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.
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 Merchandise Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 12.2% |
| Supply Chain | 1.47% |
| Purchasing | 1.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$96,497 |
18%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$95,679 |
17%
|
|
Initiative
|
$94,862 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$94,862 |
16%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$94,044 |
15%
|
|
Partnering
|
$94,044 |
15%
|
For Merchandise Controller 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 MFG Durable and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Controller positions in MFG Nondurable or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $114,488 | $55.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $106,310 | $51.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $102,222 | $49.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $98,133 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $94,044 | $45.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Merchandise Controllers enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Merchandise Controller with a No Diploma is between $74,378 and $79,738).
Merchandise Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 5.7% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 72.5% |
| Masters | 13.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Merchandise 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, 2026Salaries for a Merchandise Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $63,199 in 2023 to around $62,630 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Merchandise Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $63,199 |
| 2024 | $63,254 |
| 2025 | $62,630 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Controller roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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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