As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CPA Controller in the United States is $254,491 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $122.
However, a CPA Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CPA 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 CPA Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.02% |
| General Ledger | 2.93% |
| Generally Accepted Accounting Principles | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Initiative
|
$267,216 |
5%
|
|
Insight
|
$267,216 |
5%
|
|
Technical Accounting
|
$264,671 |
4%
|
|
Cash Management
|
$264,671 |
4%
|
|
Financial Management
|
$264,671 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$262,126 |
3%
|
For CPA Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 47% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, CPA Controller positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CPA Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $310,479 | $149.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $305,389 | $147.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $300,299 | $144.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $285,030 | $137.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $279,940 | $135.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CPA 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 a CPA Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $242,584 and $264,930).
CPA Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 3.9% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 57.5% |
| Masters | 33.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a CPA 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 CPA Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $210,534 in 2023 to around $217,268 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CPA Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $210,534 |
| 2024 | $219,452 |
| 2025 | $217,268 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for CPA Controller roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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