Business & Finance Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Financial Controller Salary in Houston, Texas

The median financial controller salary in Houston, TX is $120,000 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$120,000
vs State Avg
+$5,000
vs National
$-5,000
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median financial controller salary of $120,000, which is $5,000 above the Texas state average of $115,000. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $74,880 at the 10th percentile to $190,080 at the 90th percentile — a $115,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,720, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,400. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Financial Controller Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level financial controller earns around $78,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,720
$-3,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,880
$-5,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $74,880
25th Percentile $94,080
Median (50th) $120,000
75th Percentile $155,520
90th Percentile $190,080

Financial Controller Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Houston

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Houston

Browse open financial controller positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Houston

How much does a Financial Controller make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Houston, Texas is $120,000 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $74,880 (10th percentile) to $190,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,000, a financial controller in Houston earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Houston's median financial controller salary of $120,000 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $115,000. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $120,000 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Houston? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Houston 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.