Business & Finance Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Financial Controller Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median financial controller salary in Boulder, CO is $160,000 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$160,000
vs State Avg
+$28,750
vs National
+$35,000
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median financial controller salary of $160,000, which is $28,750 above the Colorado state average of $131,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $160,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $125,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial controllers in Boulder spans from $99,840 at the 10th percentile to $253,440 at the 90th percentile — a $153,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,960, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $243,200. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level financial controller earns around $104,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $243,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,960
+$22,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$163,840
+$35,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$243,200
+$53,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $99,840
25th Percentile $125,440
Median (50th) $160,000
75th Percentile $207,360
90th Percentile $253,440

Financial Controller Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Boulder

Education

Most financial controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Boulder

Browse open financial controller positions in Boulder, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Boulder

How much does a Financial Controller make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Boulder, Colorado is $160,000 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $99,840 (10th percentile) to $253,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $160,000, a financial controller in Boulder earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Boulder's median financial controller salary of $160,000 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $131,250. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $160,000 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Boulder? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Boulder 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.