Controller Salary in San Francisco
Median salary for a Controller in San Francisco is $210k per year. Hire remotely via KiteHR and save 45% — or $95k annually.
Local Median
$210k
Remote Median
$116k
You Save
45%
Annual Savings
$95k
Local vs. Remote Salary Comparison
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Local (San Francisco) | Remote |
|---|---|---|
| P25 — Entry level | $170k | $105k |
| P50 — Median | $210k | $116k |
| P75 — Senior / Lead | $260k | $126k |
Total Employer Cost
Salary + estimated benefits, payroll taxes, and overhead (30% local / 15% remote).
In-person in San Francisco
$273k
/year total cost
Remote via KiteHR
$133k
/year total cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Controller salary in San Francisco?
The median Controller salary in San Francisco is $210k per year. Entry-level roles start around $170k, while senior or lead-level Controllers can earn up to $260k. 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 Francisco-based hire saves approximately 45% — or $95k per year. Remote Finance professionals typically earn $116k median, compared to the local San Francisco rate of $210k.
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 Francisco?
The total employer cost — including salary, payroll taxes, health benefits, and overhead — for a Controller in San Francisco is approximately $273k per year. Hiring remote reduces this to roughly $133k, saving $140k annually.
Savings Calculator
How many Controllers are you hiring in San Francisco?
Annual savings with remote team
$284k
$95k per role × 3 hires
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- Demand in San Francisco
- medium
- Category
- Finance
- Data year
- 2025
- Currency
- USD
Other Finance Roles in San Francisco
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.
Controller Salary in Other Cities
Stop overpaying for Controllers in San Francisco
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