Business & Finance Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Financial Controller Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median financial controller salary in Columbia, SC is $112,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$112,500
vs State Avg
+$1,250
vs National
$-12,500
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median financial controller salary of $112,500, which is $1,250 above the South Carolina state average of $111,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $108,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level financial controller earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

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

Financial Controller Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$131,250
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$125,000
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$118,750
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$115,000
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Financial Controller in Columbia

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Columbia

Browse open financial controller positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Columbia

How much does a Financial Controller make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Columbia, South Carolina 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,500, a financial controller in Columbia earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Columbia's median financial controller salary of $112,500 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $111,250. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $112,500 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Columbia? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Columbia 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.