Business & Finance Madison, WI Pop. 269,840

Financial Controller Salary in Madison, Wisconsin

The median financial controller salary in Madison, WI is $125,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$125,000
vs State Avg
+$10,000
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Madison offers a median financial controller salary of $125,000, which is $10,000 above the Wisconsin state average of $115,000. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Madison pays above average for this role.

Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $78,000 at the 10th percentile to $198,000 at the 90th percentile — a $120,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,000, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $190,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Madison by Experience

In Madison, an entry-level financial controller earns around $82,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $190,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$190,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI

Percentile Madison
10th Percentile $78,000
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $125,000
75th Percentile $162,000
90th Percentile $198,000

Financial Controller Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Financial Controller in Madison

Education

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

Find Financial Controller Jobs in Madison

Browse open financial controller positions in Madison, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Madison

How much does a Financial Controller make in Madison, WI? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $125,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $78,000 (10th percentile) to $198,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Madison? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,000, a financial controller in Madison earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Madison compare to the Wisconsin state average for financial controller pay? ▼
Madison's median financial controller salary of $125,000 is 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average of $115,000. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI? ▼
Madison has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $125,000 in Madison has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Madison? ▼
Most financial controller positions in Madison 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.