Business & Finance Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Financial Controller Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median financial controller salary in Denver, CO is $140,000 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$140,000
vs State Avg
+$8,750
vs National
+$15,000
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median financial controller salary of $140,000, which is $8,750 above the Colorado state average of $131,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $140,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $125,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial controllers in Denver spans from $87,360 at the 10th percentile to $221,760 at the 90th percentile — a $134,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $91,840, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $212,800. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level financial controller earns around $91,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $212,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$91,840
+$9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,360
+$15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$212,800
+$22,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $87,360
25th Percentile $109,760
Median (50th) $140,000
75th Percentile $181,440
90th Percentile $221,760

Financial Controller Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Denver

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Denver

Browse open financial controller positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Denver

How much does a Financial Controller make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Denver, Colorado is $140,000 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $87,360 (10th percentile) to $221,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,000, a financial controller in Denver earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Denver's median financial controller salary of $140,000 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $131,250. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $140,000 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Denver? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Denver 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.