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Create CVIf you’re searching “controller salary US” or wondering “how much does a controller make in the US?”, you’re likely evaluating not just base pay, but your long-term earning potential in finance leadership.
From a recruiter and hiring manager perspective, controller compensation is one of the most nuanced in corporate finance. Why? Because it sits at the intersection of accounting accuracy, financial strategy, compliance risk, and leadership impact.
This guide breaks down real controller salary data in the US, including:
Base salary ranges (entry to executive level)
Total compensation (bonus, equity, benefits)
Differences by company size, industry, and region
How compensation is actually determined
Negotiation strategies used by top candidates
Salary ceiling and long-term earning potential
Controller salaries vary significantly depending on company size and complexity.
Entry-level / Assistant Controller: $90,000 – $120,000
Mid-level Controller: $120,000 – $160,000
Senior Controller: $160,000 – $220,000
Top 10% (large companies): $220,000 – $300,000+
Average base salary: ~$145,000
Median salary: ~$140,000
Entry-level: ~$7,500 – $10,000/month
Mid-level: ~$10,000 – $13,300/month
Senior: ~$13,300 – $18,300+/month
Controller compensation becomes increasingly performance and equity-driven at higher levels.
Base salary: 70% – 85%
Annual bonus: 10% – 30%
Equity (RSUs/options): 0% – 40% (higher in tech/startups)
Benefits: $15K – $35K value
Mid-size company controller:
Base: $150,000
Bonus: $25,000
Equity: $10,000
Total comp: ~$185,000
Public company senior controller:
Base: $200,000
Bonus: $60,000
RSUs: $80,000
Total comp: ~$340,000
Startup controller (Series C+):
Base: $170,000
Bonus: $30,000
Equity (high upside): $100K+ potential
Total comp (on paper): ~$300,000+
$90,000 – $120,000
Limited bonus (5% – 10%)
Focus on reporting and compliance
Recruiter insight:
At this level, compensation is tied heavily to:
CPA certification
Big 4 accounting experience
Technical accounting skills
$120,000 – $160,000
Bonus: 10% – 20%
Increasing leadership responsibility
Key compensation drivers:
Team size managed
ERP system ownership
Month-end close efficiency
$160,000 – $220,000+
Bonus: 20% – 30%
Equity eligibility
High earners at this level:
Partner closely with CFOs
Influence financial strategy
Manage multi-entity or global operations
$110,000 – $150,000
Limited bonus
Minimal equity
Reality:
Broad responsibilities but lower pay ceiling
$140,000 – $190,000
Bonus: 10% – 20%
Some equity
Sweet spot for many controllers
$180,000 – $250,000+
Bonus: 20% – 30%
Significant RSUs
Highest compensation potential
Technology / SaaS: $160K – $250K+
Financial services: $150K – $230K
Healthcare: $140K – $200K
Manufacturing: $130K – $180K
Industries with:
Complex revenue models
Regulatory pressure
High growth
…pay more because controllers directly impact:
Financial accuracy
Investor confidence
Compliance risk
San Francisco Bay Area: $180K – $260K+
New York City: $170K – $240K
Boston: $160K – $220K
Chicago: $140K – $200K
Dallas / Atlanta: $130K – $180K
Companies adjust compensation based on:
Cost of living
Talent competition
Industry concentration
Important:
Remote roles are increasingly leveling salaries, but senior roles still favor major financial hubs.
Controllers in companies with:
Multiple entities
International operations
IPO readiness
…command significantly higher salaries.
Key factors:
Team size (5 vs 50 people)
Cross-functional influence
Strategic involvement
High-value skills:
SEC reporting
SOX compliance
ERP implementation
Candidates from Big 4 firms often earn:
Why?
They signal:
Credibility
Audit readiness
Technical depth
Complexity = higher pay bands
Controllers who:
Influence decisions
Work with CFOs
…earn significantly more
Focus on:
IPO readiness
M&A integration
Financial systems
Most salary jumps (15% – 25%) happen during job changes
Controllers often under-negotiate because they focus too much on base salary.
Risk reduction (compliance, audit)
Financial accuracy
Leadership capability
Weak Example:
“I’m looking for around $160K.”
Why it fails:
No value justification
Anchors low
Good Example:
“Given my experience leading multi-entity reporting and managing audit readiness, I’d expect a package in the $180K–$210K range, especially with bonus and equity considered.”
Why it works:
Links pay to impact
Expands conversation to total comp
Base salary
Bonus percentage
Equity grants
Title (Controller vs Senior Controller)
Typical ceiling: $200K – $250K base
With equity: $300K – $400K+
VP Finance: $200K – $350K+
CFO: $300K – $1M+
Your long-term earnings are tied to:
Strategic influence
Leadership scope
Business impact
Demand for controllers is rising due to:
Increased regulatory complexity
Growth of SaaS and tech companies
Need for financial transparency
More equity-based compensation
Higher demand for strategic controllers
Increased pay for IPO/M&A experience
The controller salary in the US is driven by far more than experience alone.
Your earning potential depends on:
Company size and complexity
Industry and growth stage
Leadership scope
Your ability to position and negotiate your value
Controllers who think strategically about their career path can significantly outperform average salary benchmarks and move into high six-figure total compensation roles.
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