As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Accounting Controller in California is $284,115 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $137.
However, an Accounting Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Accounting Controller Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $319,960 | $26,663 | $6,153 | $154 |
| Average | $284,115 | $23,676 | $5,464 | $137 |
| 25th Percentile | $261,870 | $21,822 | $5,036 | $126 |
Confidential - Irvine, CA
CIM Group, LP - Los Angeles, CA
ROARK - Riverside, CA
ROARK - Anaheim, CA
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 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:
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:
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 | $346,620 | $167.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $340,938 | $164.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $335,256 | $161.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $318,209 | $153.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $312,527 | $150.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $319,960 | $26,663 | $6,153 | $154 |
| Average | $284,115 | $23,676 | $5,464 | $137 |
| 25th Percentile | $261,870 | $21,822 | $5,036 | $126 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Accounting Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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