U.S. COMPENSATION DATA · UPDATED MAY 2026 · SOURCE: BLS OES113 ROLES · 30 MARKETS
SALARYINDEX
U.S. COMPENSATION INTELLIGENCE
RolesControllerSan Francisco

Controller Salary in San Francisco, CA

Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data

$185,000
2.8% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$110,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$140,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$185,000
50th Pct.
Median
$245,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$310,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Controller salary in San Francisco?+

The median Controller salary in San Francisco, CA is $185,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $140,000 and $245,000.

What is the entry-level Controller salary in San Francisco?+

Entry-level Controller positions in San Francisco typically start around $140,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $185,000.

What do senior Controllers earn in San Francisco?+

Senior Controllers in San Francisco earn $245,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $310,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.

How has the Controller market changed in San Francisco?+

Year-over-year salary growth for Controllers in San Francisco stands at 2.8% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.

Controller — Other Markets
Market25th Pct.Median75th Pct.YoY
New York, NY$130,000$175,000$225,000+2.8%
Seattle, WA$120,000$160,000$210,000+2.8%
Boston, MA$115,000$155,000$200,000+2.8%
Los Angeles, CA$125,000$165,000$220,000+2.8%
San Diego, CA$115,000$155,000$200,000+2.8%
Sacramento, CA$110,000$145,000$195,000+2.8%
Washington DC, DC$115,000$155,000$205,000+2.8%
Baltimore, MD$95,000$130,000$170,000+2.8%
San Francisco — Other Roles
Role25th Pct.Median75th Pct.
Software Engineer$140,000$190,000$240,000
Full Stack Developer$130,000$175,000$225,000
Frontend Developer$115,000$155,000$205,000
Backend Developer$130,000$170,000$220,000
iOS Developer$135,000$175,000$230,000
Android Developer$130,000$170,000$220,000