As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Small Business Controller in the United States is $82,070 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Small Business Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Small Business 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 Small Business Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.81% |
| Business Administration | 1.04% |
| PowerPoint | 1.04% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Proposal Development
|
$137,877 |
68%
|
|
Contract Preparation
|
$127,208 |
55%
|
|
Technical Skills
|
$94,380 |
15%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$93,560 |
14%
|
|
Analysis
|
$93,560 |
14%
|
|
Community Health
|
$93,560 |
14%
|
For Small Business Controller roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 40% above the average. Conversely, Small Business Controller positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Small Business Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $114,898 | $55.0 | 40% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Small Business 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 Small Business Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $81,826 and $88,204).
Small Business Controller Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 21.6% |
| Associates | 8.2% |
| Bachelors | 28.9% |
| Masters | 36.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.1% |
Understanding how a Small Business 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 Small Business Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $85,837 in 2023 to around $86,343 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Small Business Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $85,837 |
| 2024 | $86,710 |
| 2025 | $86,343 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Small Business 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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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