Business & Finance San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Financial Controller Salary in San Diego, California

The median financial controller salary in San Diego, CA is $177,500 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$177,500
vs State Avg
+$5,000
vs National
+$52,500
Cost of Living
142%

Financial Controller Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median financial controller salary of $177,500, which is $5,000 above the California state average of $172,500. Compared to the national median of $125,000, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $177,500 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $125,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial controllers in San Diego spans from $110,760 at the 10th percentile to $281,160 at the 90th percentile — a $170,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $116,440, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $269,800. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level financial controller earns around $116,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $269,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$116,440
+$34,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$181,760
+$53,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$269,800
+$79,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $110,760
25th Percentile $139,160
Median (50th) $177,500
75th Percentile $230,040
90th Percentile $281,160

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
Sacramento, CA
$147,500
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Financial Controller in San Diego

Education

Most financial controller positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Financial Controller Jobs in San Diego

Browse open financial controller positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in San Diego

How much does a Financial Controller make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median financial controller salary in San Diego, California is $177,500 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $110,760 (10th percentile) to $281,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $177,500, a financial controller in San Diego earns approximately $85 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for financial controller pay? ▼
San Diego's median financial controller salary of $177,500 is 2.9% above the California state average of $172,500. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $177,500 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in San Diego? ▼
Most financial controller positions in San Diego 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.