Business & Finance Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Financial Controller Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median financial controller salary in Detroit, MI is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$110,000
vs State Avg
$-2,500
vs National
$-15,000
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median financial controller salary of $110,000, which is $2,500 below the Michigan state average of $112,500. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $110,000 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for financial controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for financial controllers in Detroit 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. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, 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 88% 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 Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
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 Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$131,250
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$112,500
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$110,000
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$107,500
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Financial Controller in Detroit

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Detroit

Browse open financial controller positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Detroit

How much does a Financial Controller make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,000, a financial controller in Detroit earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Detroit's median financial controller salary of $110,000 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $112,500. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $110,000 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Detroit? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Detroit 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.