Business & Finance Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Financial Controller Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median financial controller salary in Columbus, OH is $118,750 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$118,750
vs State Avg
+$6,250
vs National
$-6,250
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median financial controller salary of $118,750, which is $6,250 above the Ohio state average of $112,500. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus spans from $74,100 at the 10th percentile to $188,100 at the 90th percentile — a $114,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,900, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,500. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level financial controller earns around $77,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% 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

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH

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

Financial Controller Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$112,500
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$107,500
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$105,000
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$102,500
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Financial Controller in Columbus

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Columbus

Browse open financial controller positions in Columbus, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Columbus

How much does a Financial Controller make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $118,750, a financial controller in Columbus earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Columbus's median financial controller salary of $118,750 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $112,500. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $118,750 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Columbus? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Columbus 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.