As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting Controller in the United States is $257,738 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $124.
However, an Accounting Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Accounting 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 Accounting 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
|
$270,625 |
5%
|
|
Insight
|
$270,625 |
5%
|
|
Technical Accounting
|
$268,048 |
4%
|
|
Cash Management
|
$268,048 |
4%
|
|
Financial Management
|
$268,048 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$265,470 |
3%
|
For Accounting 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, Accounting Controller positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Accounting Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $314,440 | $151.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $309,286 | $149.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $304,131 | $146.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $288,667 | $139.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $283,512 | $136.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Accounting 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 an Accounting Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $242,584 and $264,930).
Accounting 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 an Accounting 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, 2026Salaries for an Accounting Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $213,163 in 2023 to around $219,982 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Accounting Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $213,163 |
| 2024 | $222,193 |
| 2025 | $219,982 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Accounting 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.
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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