Business & Finance Wisconsin (WI) Rank #32 of 50

Financial Controller Salary in Wisconsin

The median financial controller salary in Wisconsin is $115,000 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$115,000
vs National
$-10,000
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $115,000 per year, financial controllers in Wisconsin earn $10,000 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $115,000 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $71,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $182,160 — a $110,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $125,000.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level financial controller earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,760
$-10,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
$-15,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $90,160
Median (50th) $115,000
75th Percentile $149,040
90th Percentile $182,160

Financial Controller Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for financial controllers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Financial Controller in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Financial Controller make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Wisconsin is $115,000 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,000, a financial controller in Wisconsin earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for financial controllers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $75,440, while senior professionals earn $174,800.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. Wisconsin's median of $115,000 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($115,000) and Texas ($115,000).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in Wisconsin earns approximately $75,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $117,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $174,800.
What city in Wisconsin pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for financial controllers, with a median salary of $125,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.