Financial Analyst vs Financial Controller: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Financial Analyst
Analyse financial data and prepare reports to support investment and business decisions.
Financial Controller
Oversee accounting operations and ensure financial reporting accuracy.
Financial Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $19,060/year (23%) higher than a Financial Controller. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Financial Analyst vs Financial Controller — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Financial Analyst | Financial Controller | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,829 | $118,608 | Financial +$28,221 |
| New York, NY | $122,253 | $99,857 | Financial +$22,396 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,125 | $116,840 | Financial +$26,285 |
| Austin, TX | $111,407 | $95,143 | Financial +$16,264 |
| Chicago, IL | $110,355 | $87,358 | Financial +$22,997 |
| Boston, MA | $135,080 | $111,873 | Financial +$23,207 |
| London, UK | £82,870 | £66,637 | Financial +$16,233 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,014 | CA$108,997 | Financial +$2,017 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Financial Analyst or Financial Controller earn more?+
A Financial Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Financial Analyst is $102,740/year, compared to $83,680/year for a Financial Controller — a difference of $19,060 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Financial Analyst or Financial Controller?+
Financial Analyst roles are growing at 9% YoY while Financial Controller demand is growing at 8% YoY. Financial Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Financial Analyst to Financial Controller?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Financial Analyst or Financial Controller?+
Financial Controller has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 65%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.