Business & Finance San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Financial Controller Salary in San Jose, California

The median financial controller salary in San Jose, CA is $210,000 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$210,000
vs State Avg
+$37,500
vs National
+$85,000
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median financial controller salary of $210,000, which is $37,500 above the California state average of $172,500. Compared to the national median of $125,000, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $210,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $125,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial controllers in San Jose spans from $131,040 at the 10th percentile to $332,640 at the 90th percentile — a $201,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $137,760, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $319,200. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level financial controller earns around $137,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $319,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$137,760
+$55,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$215,040
+$87,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$319,200
+$129,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $131,040
25th Percentile $164,640
Median (50th) $210,000
75th Percentile $272,160
90th Percentile $332,640

Financial Controller Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$227,500
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$182,500
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$177,500
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$147,500
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Financial Controller in San Jose

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in San Jose

Browse open financial controller positions in San Jose, CA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in San Jose

How much does a Financial Controller make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median financial controller salary in San Jose, California is $210,000 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $131,040 (10th percentile) to $332,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $210,000, a financial controller in San Jose earns approximately $101 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for financial controller pay? ▼
San Jose's median financial controller salary of $210,000 is 21.7% above the California state average of $172,500. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $210,000 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most financial controller positions in San Jose 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.