Business & Finance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Financial Controller Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median financial controller salary in Chicago, IL is $141,250 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$141,250
vs State Avg
+$15,000
vs National
+$16,250
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median financial controller salary of $141,250, which is $15,000 above the Illinois state average of $126,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for financial controllers in Chicago spans from $88,140 at the 10th percentile to $223,740 at the 90th percentile — a $135,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $92,660, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $214,700. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level financial controller earns around $92,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $214,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,660
+$10,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,640
+$16,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$214,700
+$24,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $88,140
25th Percentile $110,740
Median (50th) $141,250
75th Percentile $183,060
90th Percentile $223,740

Financial Controller Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$142,500
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$126,250
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$113,750
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$110,000
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Financial Controller in Chicago

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Chicago

Browse open financial controller positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Chicago

How much does a Financial Controller make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Chicago, Illinois is $141,250 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $88,140 (10th percentile) to $223,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,250, a financial controller in Chicago earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Chicago's median financial controller salary of $141,250 is 11.9% above the Illinois state average of $126,250. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $141,250 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Chicago? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Chicago 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.