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CPA Controller Salary in California

How much does a CPA Controller make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CPA Controller in California is $280,777 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $135.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $348,044
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $258,503 to $315,987
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $238,224
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CPA Controller Salaries

A CPA Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do CPA 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 CPA Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $281,847.
  • California: $280,777.
  • Massachusetts: $277,035.

Top Paying Cities for CPA 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:

  • Los Angeles: $281,261
  • West Hollywood: $281,057
  • Dodgertown: $281,259

CPA Controller Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a CPA Controller

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$342,549$165.022%
Energy & Utilities$336,933$162.020%
Insurance$331,317$159.018%
Internet$314,471$151.012%
Aerospace & Defense$308,855$148.010%

CPA Controller Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$258,503
Average $280,777/year
$315,987
$21,542
Average $23,398/month
$26,332
$4,971
Average $5,400/week
$6,077
$124
Average $135/hour
$152
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $315,987 $26,332 $6,077 $152
Average $280,777 $23,398 $5,400 $135
25th Percentile $258,503 $21,542 $4,971 $124

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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