Business & Finance North Carolina (NC) Rank #27 of 50

Financial Controller Salary in North Carolina

The median financial controller salary in North Carolina is $118,750 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$118,750
vs National
$-6,250
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $118,750 per year, financial controllers in North Carolina earn $6,250 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $118,750 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $129,076 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $74,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $188,100 — a $114,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $126,250.

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 North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level financial controller earns around $77,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,500 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,500
$-9,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $74,100
25th Percentile $93,100
Median (50th) $118,750
75th Percentile $153,900
90th Percentile $188,100

Financial Controller Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for financial controllers in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Controller in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Financial Controller make in North Carolina? ▼
The median financial controller salary in North Carolina is $118,750 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $74,100 (10th percentile) to $188,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,750, a financial controller in North Carolina earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for financial controllers? ▼
North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $77,900, while senior professionals earn $180,500.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. North Carolina's median of $118,750 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($118,750) and Montana ($118,750).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in North Carolina earns approximately $77,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $121,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $180,500.
What city in North Carolina pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for financial controllers, with a median salary of $126,250. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.