Business & Finance Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Financial Controller Salary in Ohio

The median financial controller salary in Ohio is $112,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$112,500
vs National
$-12,500
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $112,500 per year, financial controllers in Ohio earn $12,500 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $112,500 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $70,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $178,200 — a $108,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $118,750.

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 Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level financial controller earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,000
$-19,000 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $112,500+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $88,200
Median (50th) $112,500
75th Percentile $145,800
90th Percentile $178,200

Financial Controller Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for financial controllers in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Controller in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in Ohio

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Financial Controllers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $58,500 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Financial Controller Roles in Ohio?

Get matched with recruiters hiring financial controllers in Ohio at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Ohio

How much does a Financial Controller make in Ohio? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Ohio is $112,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,500, a financial controller in Ohio earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for financial controllers? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $73,800, while senior professionals earn $171,000.
How does Ohio compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. Ohio's median of $112,500 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($112,500) and North Dakota ($112,500).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in Ohio earns approximately $73,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $115,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $171,000.
What city in Ohio pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for financial controllers, with a median salary of $118,750. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.