Business & Finance Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Financial Controller Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median financial controller salary in Chattanooga, TN is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$110,000
vs State Avg
$-1,250
vs National
$-15,000
Cost of Living
88%

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

Chattanooga offers a median financial controller salary of $110,000, which is $1,250 below the Tennessee state average of $111,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $110,000 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for financial controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for financial controllers in Chattanooga spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $105,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level financial controller earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
$-22,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $86,240
Median (50th) $110,000
75th Percentile $142,560
90th Percentile $174,240

Financial Controller Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open financial controller positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Financial Controller make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,000, a financial controller in Chattanooga earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median financial controller salary of $110,000 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $111,250. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $110,000 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Chattanooga? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Chattanooga 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.