Business & Finance Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Financial Controller Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median financial controller salary in Columbia, MD is $153,750 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$153,750
vs State Avg
+$10,000
vs National
+$28,750
Cost of Living
118%

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

Columbia offers a median financial controller salary of $153,750, which is $10,000 above the Maryland state average of $143,750. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $153,750 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $130,297. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for financial controllers in Columbia spans from $95,940 at the 10th percentile to $243,540 at the 90th percentile — a $147,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $100,860, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $233,700. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level financial controller earns around $100,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $233,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$100,860
+$18,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$157,440
+$29,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$233,700
+$43,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $95,940
25th Percentile $120,540
Median (50th) $153,750
75th Percentile $199,260
90th Percentile $243,540

Financial Controller Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$158,750
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$150,000
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$141,250
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$137,500
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Financial Controller in Columbia

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Columbia

Browse open financial controller positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Columbia

How much does a Financial Controller make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Columbia, Maryland is $153,750 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $95,940 (10th percentile) to $243,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $153,750, a financial controller in Columbia earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Columbia's median financial controller salary of $153,750 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $143,750. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $153,750 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Columbia? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Columbia 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.