Business & Finance Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Financial Controller Salary in Sacramento, California

The median financial controller salary in Sacramento, CA is $147,500 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$147,500
vs State Avg
$-25,000
vs National
+$22,500
Cost of Living
118%

Financial Controller Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median financial controller salary of $147,500, which is $25,000 below the California state average of $172,500. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $147,500 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $125,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial controllers in Sacramento spans from $92,040 at the 10th percentile to $233,640 at the 90th percentile — a $141,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $96,760, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,200. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level financial controller earns around $96,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$96,760
+$14,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,040
+$23,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,200
+$34,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $92,040
25th Percentile $115,640
Median (50th) $147,500
75th Percentile $191,160
90th Percentile $233,640

Financial Controller Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$227,500
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$210,000
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$182,500
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$177,500
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Financial Controller in Sacramento

Education

Most financial controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open financial controller positions in Sacramento, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Financial Controller make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Sacramento, California is $147,500 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $92,040 (10th percentile) to $233,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $147,500, a financial controller in Sacramento earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Sacramento's median financial controller salary of $147,500 is 14.5% below the California state average of $172,500. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $147,500 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Sacramento? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Sacramento require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Financial Reporting, GAAP, ERP Systems, Budgeting. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.