FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Financial Controller Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$308,929/yr
Typical range: $260,011 – $343,919
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Financial Controller salary by experience level in Seattle
Financial Controller Salary Progression in Seattle
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $118,232 | $9,853 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $152,558 | $12,713 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $177,984 | $14,832 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $214,343 | $17,862 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $308,929 | $25,744 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $420,296 | $35,025 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $448,138 | $37,345 | +279% |
Current Salary
$308,929
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $149/hr
Next Level Target
$420,296
Principal · 14
+$111Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Financial Controller salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Financial Controllers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $309K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Financial Controller make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $309K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $149/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Financial Controller in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Financial Controller in Seattle, WA earns $260K–$344K/yr.