Business & Finance Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Financial Controller Salary in Kentucky

The median financial controller salary in Kentucky is $108,750 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$108,750
vs National
$-16,250
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $108,750 per year, financial controllers in Kentucky earn $16,250 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $108,750 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $67,860, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $172,260 — a $104,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $116,250.

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for financial controllers across the country.

Financial Controller Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level financial controller earns around $71,340, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,300 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,360
$-16,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,300
$-24,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $67,860
25th Percentile $85,260
Median (50th) $108,750
75th Percentile $140,940
90th Percentile $172,260

Financial Controller Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for financial controllers in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Controller in Kentucky

Education

Most financial controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Financial Controller make in Kentucky? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Kentucky is $108,750 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $67,860 (10th percentile) to $172,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,750, a financial controller in Kentucky earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for financial controllers? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $71,340, while senior professionals earn $165,300.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. Kentucky's median of $108,750 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($108,750) and Kansas ($108,750).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in Kentucky earns approximately $71,340 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $111,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $165,300.
What city in Kentucky pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for financial controllers, with a median salary of $116,250. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.