Controller Salary in the US
Controller Salary Range
$135,370
$183,165
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
Controller salaries in the Life Sciences Manufacturing industry typically range from $135,370 to $183,165, with a midpoint of approximately $157,890. Compensation varies based on accounting leadership experience, manufacturing finance expertise, regulatory compliance knowledge, ERP system proficiency, organizational size, and overall financial management responsibility.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$135,370
$183,165
$135,370
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$157,890
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$183,165
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect a Controller's Salary
Controller compensation can vary based on company size, manufacturing complexity, global operations, regulatory environment, ERP system expertise, leadership responsibility, location, and overall financial accountability. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the position oversees multiple manufacturing facilities, international accounting operations, complex cost accounting, mergers and acquisitions, or publicly traded financial reporting requirements.
Controller Job Description:
A Controller is responsible for overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls within a Life Sciences manufacturing environment. This role helps ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, operational transparency, and sound financial management while supporting strategic business decisions across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, diagnostics, and related manufacturing operations.
Controllers often manage general accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, payroll oversight, financial analysis, audit coordination, tax compliance, and internal controls while working closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Human Resources, and executive leadership. Their work may include overseeing month-end and year-end close processes, improving financial procedures, monitoring KPIs, supporting ERP systems, strengthening compliance programs, and driving financial process improvements across the organization.
Controllers are expected to understand how financial performance directly impacts manufacturing efficiency, profitability, regulatory compliance, cash flow, and long-term business growth. Strong candidates typically combine accounting expertise, financial leadership, analytical ability, regulatory knowledge, communication skills, and sound business judgment to support operational excellence within highly regulated Life Sciences manufacturing environments.
Common Responsibilities:
Leading accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, inventory accounting, and month-end/year-end close activities.
Preparing accurate financial statements, budgets, forecasts, management reports, and financial analyses while ensuring compliance with GAAP/IFRS, SOX (where applicable), and corporate accounting policies.
Managing cost accounting, inventory valuation, cash flow, financial reconciliations, internal controls, and financial reporting processes to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Collaborating with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Human Resources, and executive leadership to improve financial performance and business results.
Monitoring financial performance, cost trends, profitability, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational metrics while driving continuous process improvements and cost optimization initiatives.
Coordinating internal and external audits, tax compliance, regulatory reporting, risk management, and financial governance while ensuring compliance with applicable financial regulations.
Utilizing ERP systems and financial reporting tools to strengthen accounting processes, improve reporting accuracy, support financial planning, and enhance organizational decision-making.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across industrial automation, manufacturing, packaging, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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