Business & Finance Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Financial Controller Salary in Alabama

The median financial controller salary in Alabama is $108,750 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$108,750
vs National
$-16,250
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $108,750 per year, financial controllers in Alabama earn $16,250 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $108,750 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $67,860, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $172,260 — a $104,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $115,000.

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for financial controllers across the country.

Financial Controller Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level financial controller earns around $71,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,300 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,360
$-16,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,300
$-24,700 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $108,750+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $67,860
25th Percentile $85,260
Median (50th) $108,750
75th Percentile $140,940
90th Percentile $172,260

Financial Controller Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for financial controllers in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Controller in Alabama

Education

Most financial controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Financial Controllers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $56,550 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Financial Controller Roles in Alabama?

Get matched with recruiters hiring financial controllers in Alabama at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Alabama

How much does a Financial Controller make in Alabama? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Alabama is $108,750 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $67,860 (10th percentile) to $172,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,750, a financial controller in Alabama earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for financial controllers? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $71,340, while senior professionals earn $165,300.
How does Alabama compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. Alabama's median of $108,750 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($110,000) and South Dakota ($110,000).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in Alabama earns approximately $71,340 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $165,300.
What city in Alabama pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for financial controllers, with a median salary of $115,000. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.