Business & Finance Columbus, GA Pop. 206,922

Financial Controller Salary in Columbus, Georgia

The median financial controller salary in Columbus, GA is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$110,000
vs State Avg
$-8,750
vs National
$-15,000
Cost of Living
86%

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

Columbus offers a median financial controller salary of $110,000, which is $8,750 below the Georgia state average of $118,750. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbus's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $110,000 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $127,907 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbus an attractive option for financial controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for financial controllers in Columbus spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $105,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. With a population of 206,922, Columbus is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level financial controller earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
$-22,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, GA

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $86,240
Median (50th) $110,000
75th Percentile $142,560
90th Percentile $174,240

Financial Controller Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Columbus

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Columbus

Browse open financial controller positions in Columbus, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Columbus

How much does a Financial Controller make in Columbus, GA? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Columbus, Georgia is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,000, a financial controller in Columbus earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Georgia state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Columbus's median financial controller salary of $110,000 is 7.4% below the Georgia state average of $118,750. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, GA? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $110,000 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Columbus? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Columbus 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.