Business & Finance Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Financial Controller Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median financial controller salary in Columbia, MO is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$110,000
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-15,000
Cost of Living
88%

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

Columbia offers a median financial controller salary of $110,000, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $110,000. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for financial controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for financial controllers in Columbia 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 126,254, 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 $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 Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
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 Missouri Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Columbia

Education

Most financial controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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, MO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Columbia

How much does a Financial Controller make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,000, a financial controller in Columbia earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Columbia's median financial controller salary of $110,000 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $110,000. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $110,000 in Columbia has more 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.