As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a System Controller in the United States is $257,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $124.
However, a System Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A System 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a System Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level System Controller | $246,611 |
| Intermediate Level System Controller | $248,103 |
| Senior Level System Controller | $250,489 |
| Specialist Level System Controller | $253,472 |
| Expert Level System Controller | $260,340 |
What Am I Worth?
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 System 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
|
$270,848 |
5%
|
|
Insight
|
$270,848 |
5%
|
|
Technical Accounting
|
$268,268 |
4%
|
|
Cash Management
|
$268,268 |
4%
|
|
Financial Management
|
$268,268 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$265,689 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many System 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 System Controller with a Bachelor's Degree is between $242,584 and $264,930).
System 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 System 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a System Controller can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $213,884 in 2023 to around $220,726 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of System Controller salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $213,884 |
| 2024 | $222,944 |
| 2025 | $220,726 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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