Business & Finance Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Financial Controller Salary in Helena, Montana

The median financial controller salary in Helena, MT is $117,500 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$117,500
vs State Avg
$-1,250
vs National
$-7,500
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median financial controller salary of $117,500, which is $1,250 below the Montana state average of $118,750. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $73,320 at the 10th percentile to $186,120 at the 90th percentile — a $112,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,080, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $178,600. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Financial Controller Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level financial controller earns around $77,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,080
$-4,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $73,320
25th Percentile $92,120
Median (50th) $117,500
75th Percentile $152,280
90th Percentile $186,120

Financial Controller Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$143,750
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$127,500
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$120,000
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$110,000
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Financial Controller in Helena

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Helena

Browse open financial controller positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Helena

How much does a Financial Controller make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Helena, Montana is $117,500 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $73,320 (10th percentile) to $186,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,500, a financial controller in Helena earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Helena's median financial controller salary of $117,500 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $118,750. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $117,500 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Helena? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Helena 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.