Business & Finance Virginia (VA) Rank #11 of 50

Financial Controller Salary in Virginia

The median financial controller salary in Virginia is $136,250 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$136,250
vs National
+$11,250
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for financial controller pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $136,250 per year, financial controllers in Virginia earn $11,250 more than the national median of $125,000.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning financial controller salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $85,020, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $215,820 — a $130,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $171,250.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level financial controller earns around $89,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $207,100 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,380
+$7,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,520
+$11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$207,100
+$17,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $85,020
25th Percentile $106,820
Median (50th) $136,250
75th Percentile $176,580
90th Percentile $215,820

Financial Controller Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for financial controllers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Controller in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Virginia

How much does a Financial Controller make in Virginia? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Virginia is $136,250 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $85,020 (10th percentile) to $215,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $136,250, a financial controller in Virginia earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for financial controllers? ▼
Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $89,380, while senior professionals earn $207,100.
How does Virginia compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. Virginia's median of $136,250 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($143,750) and Oregon ($137,500).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in Virginia earns approximately $89,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $139,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $207,100.
What city in Virginia pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for financial controllers, with a median salary of $171,250. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.