Merchandise Controller Salary in the United States

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Controller in the United States is $81,762 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $106,322
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,944 to $94,617
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,826
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $73,944 10% $66,826 90% $106,322 75% $94,617 $81,762 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Merchandise Controller Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $94,617 $7,885 $1,820 $45
Average $81,762 $6,813 $1,572 $39
25th Percentile $73,944 $6,162 $1,422 $36
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Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Controller Salaries

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.

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

  • District of Columbia: $90,527.
  • California: $90,183.
  • Massachusetts: $88,981.

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise 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: $103,126
  • San Francisco: $101,997
  • Oakland: $99,848

What Skills Can Increase a Merchandise Controller's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 12.2% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Supply Chain (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): A supply chain encompasses everything from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer through to its eventual delivery to the end user.
  • Purchasing (Mentioned in 1.09% Job Postings): Purchasing refers to a business or organization attempting to acquire goods or services to accomplish its goals. Although there are several organizations that attempt to set standards in the purchasing process, processes can vary greatly between organizations. Typically the word “purchasing” is not used interchangeably with the word “procurement”, since procurement typically includes expediting, supplier quality, and transportation and logistics (T&L) in addition to purchasing.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 12.2%
Supply Chain 1.47%
Purchasing 1.09%
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 Merchandise Controller's salary.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Project Management
 $96,479
18%
Decision Making
 $95,661
17%
Initiative
 $94,844
16%
Collaboration
 $94,844
16%
Collaborating
 $94,026
15%
Partnering
 $94,026
15%
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Merchandise Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable$114,467$55.040%
Internet$106,290$51.030%
Aerospace & Defense$102,202$49.025%
Energy & Utilities$98,114$47.020%
Hospitality & Leisure$94,026$45.015%

How Education impacts a Merchandise Controller's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Merchandise Controller
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%
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Merchandise Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$73,944
Average $81,762/year
$94,617
$6,162
Average $6,813/month
$7,885
$1,422
Average $1,572/week
$1,820
$36
Average $39/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $94,617 $7,885 $1,820 $45
Average $81,762 $6,813 $1,572 $39
25th Percentile $73,944 $6,162 $1,422 $36

Salaries of jobs related to Merchandise Controller

Salary Trends for Merchandise Controller

Salaries 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, .

Average Annual Salary of Merchandise Controller Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$63,199
2024
$63,254
2025
$62,630
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $63,199
2024 $63,254
2025 $62,630
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Merchandise Controller

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

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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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