Business & Finance South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Financial Controller Salary in South Carolina

The median financial controller salary in South Carolina is $111,250 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$111,250
vs National
$-13,750
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $111,250 per year, financial controllers in South Carolina earn $13,750 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $111,250 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $69,420, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $176,220 — a $106,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $131,250.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level financial controller earns around $72,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $169,100 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,980
$-9,020 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,920
$-14,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$169,100
$-20,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $69,420
25th Percentile $87,220
Median (50th) $111,250
75th Percentile $144,180
90th Percentile $176,220

Financial Controller Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for financial controllers in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Controller in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Financial Controller make in South Carolina? ▼
The median financial controller salary in South Carolina is $111,250 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $69,420 (10th percentile) to $176,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,250, a financial controller in South Carolina earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for financial controllers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $72,980, while senior professionals earn $169,100.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. South Carolina's median of $111,250 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($112,500) and Iowa ($111,250).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in South Carolina earns approximately $72,980 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $169,100.
What city in South Carolina pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for financial controllers, with a median salary of $131,250. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.