Investment controllers play a vital role in the investment industry by overseeing accounting and reporting functions. As this career continues to grow in demand, investment controller salaries have seen steady increases in recent years. We will analyze the key facts around investment controller salaries, including average pay, top employers, experience levels, and future outlook. Understanding investment controller salary trends provides helpful insight for those exploring this career path or looking to benchmark compensation.
Investment controller salaries average around $100K in the US
According to salary data from PayScale, the average base pay for an investment controller in the US is $99,297 per year, with total compensation including bonuses averaging $107,706. Top earners with significant experience can make upwards of $150,000 annually. The average hourly rate is around $48.
Hedge funds and asset management firms offer top investment controller pay
Within the investment industry, hedge funds and asset management firms tend to offer the highest salaries for investment controllers. Top-paying employers include Bridgewater Associates, Two Sigma Investments, Millennium Management, Citadel, and BlackRock, with average total compensation ranging from $130,000 to $160,000 for experienced professionals.
Greater New York is the top-paying metro for investment controllers
When looking at salary by location, the New York City metro area offers the highest pay for investment controllers, averaging around $123,000. Other top-paying major metros include Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Los Angeles, where averages range from $110,000 to $118,000.
5-10 years experience yields the highest investment controller salaries
The peak earning years for investment controllers are after 5-10 years of experience. During this stage, professionals take on lead roles and specialized duties, contributing significant value which boosts compensation. Average pay tends to level off after 10 years, unless taking on executive positions.
Strong growth and demand will push investment controller salaries higher
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial reporting and investment accounting roles are projected to grow 7% by 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This increasing demand, along with the complex landscape of financial regulations, points toward continued salary growth for experienced investment controllers providing specialized expertise.
In summary, investment controllers with specialized expertise at top asset management and investment firms can earn over $150,000 per year, with strong industry growth likely leading to further salary increases. New York, Chicago, and San Francisco offer particularly high compensation given the concentration of top investment employers.