San Diego, CA

Controller Salary in San Diego

Median salary for a Controller in San Diego is $186k per year. Hire remotely via KiteHR and save 45% — or $84k annually.

Local Median

$186k

Remote Median

$102k

You Save

45%

Annual Savings

$84k

Local vs. Remote Salary Comparison

Local (In-person)$186k
$160kmedian$225k
Remote (via KiteHR)$102k
$93kmedian$112k

Salary Percentile Breakdown

PercentileLocal (San Diego)Remote
P25 — Entry level$160k$93k
P50 — Median$186k$102k
P75 — Senior / Lead$225k$112k

Total Employer Cost

Salary + estimated benefits, payroll taxes, and overhead (30% local / 15% remote).

In-person in San Diego

$242k

/year total cost

Remote via KiteHR

$118k

/year total cost

Total employer savings$124k/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controller salary in San Diego?

The median Controller salary in San Diego is $186k per year. Entry-level roles start around $160k, while senior or lead-level Controllers can earn up to $225k. Data reflects 2025 market rates sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research.

How much can I save hiring a remote Controller?

Hiring a remote Controller vs. a San Diego-based hire saves approximately 45% — or $84k per year. Remote Finance professionals typically earn $102k median, compared to the local San Diego rate of $186k.

Is it common to hire a remote Controller?

Yes — Finance roles like Controller have a high degree of remote compatibility. Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia have deep talent pools for this category. KiteHR can help you post the role, screen candidates, and manage the hiring pipeline entirely online.

What is the total employer cost for a Controller in San Diego?

The total employer cost — including salary, payroll taxes, health benefits, and overhead — for a Controller in San Diego is approximately $242k per year. Hiring remote reduces this to roughly $118k, saving $124k annually.

Savings Calculator

How many Controllers are you hiring in San Diego?

Headcount3
11020

Annual savings with remote team

$251k

$84k per role × 3 hires

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Role Insights

Demand in San Diego
medium
Category
Finance
Data year
2025
Currency
USD

Data sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research. Figures are estimates and may vary by company, seniority, and experience level.

Save 45% on every Controller hire

Stop overpaying for Controllers in San Diego

Post a remote Controller role on KiteHR, track applicants with AI-powered tools, and make your first hire — all for free.