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

Controller Salary in Washington DC, DC

Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data

$155,000
2.8% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$90,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$115,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$155,000
50th Pct.
Median
$205,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$260,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Controller salary in Washington DC?+

The median Controller salary in Washington DC, DC is $155,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $115,000 and $205,000.

What is the entry-level Controller salary in Washington DC?+

Entry-level Controller positions in Washington DC typically start around $115,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $155,000.

What do senior Controllers earn in Washington DC?+

Senior Controllers in Washington DC earn $205,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $260,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.

How has the Controller market changed in Washington DC?+

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

Controller — Other Markets
Market25th Pct.Median75th Pct.YoY
San Francisco, CA$140,000$185,000$245,000+2.8%
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%
Baltimore, MD$95,000$130,000$170,000+2.8%
Washington DC — Other Roles
Role25th Pct.Median75th Pct.
Software Engineer$120,000$160,000$200,000
Full Stack Developer$110,000$145,000$190,000
Frontend Developer$100,000$130,000$175,000
Backend Developer$105,000$145,000$185,000
iOS Developer$110,000$150,000$195,000
Android Developer$105,000$145,000$185,000