FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Financial Controller Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$309,109/yr
Typical range: $260,163 – $344,119
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Financial Controller salary by experience level in Washington DC
Financial Controller Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $118,301 | $9,858 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $152,646 | $12,721 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $178,087 | $14,841 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $214,468 | $17,872 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $309,109 | $25,759 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $420,541 | $35,045 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $448,399 | $37,367 | +279% |
Current Salary
$309,109
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $149/hr
Next Level Target
$420,541
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Financial Controllers in Washington DC, DC 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 Washington DC, DC?
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 Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Financial Controller in Washington DC, DC earns $260K–$344K/yr.