Business & Finance Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Financial Controller Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median financial controller salary in Charleston, SC is $125,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$125,000
vs State Avg
+$13,750
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median financial controller salary of $125,000, which is $13,750 above the South Carolina state average of $111,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $78,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,000 at the 90th percentile — a $120,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,000, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level financial controller earns around $82,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $78,000
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $125,000
75th Percentile $162,000
90th Percentile $198,000

Financial Controller Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Charleston

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Charleston

Browse open financial controller positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Charleston

How much does a Financial Controller make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $125,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $78,000 (10th percentile) to $198,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,000, a financial controller in Charleston earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Charleston's median financial controller salary of $125,000 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $111,250. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $125,000 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Charleston? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Charleston 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.