Controller Jobs in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina$144,450 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Controller Salary in Charleston

Entry Level
$90,950
Median
$144,450
Senior Level
$209,185

Controller salaries in Charleston are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Charleston is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPTeam ManagementInternal ControlsERP Systems

Controller Job Market in Charleston

Charleston, SC is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Controller professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Charleston offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Controller roles across various sectors. The market for Controller positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Controllers in Charleston

City of CharlestonCharleston County SchoolsCARTA

Major employers hiring Controllers in Charleston include City of Charleston, Charleston County Schools, CARTA. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Controllers in Charleston

Living in Charleston as a Controller means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. At median Controller salary, housing is quite affordable at 14% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,300/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

107
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.7K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Controller in Charleston

Charleston Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Controllers in Charleston: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Controller professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in South Carolina

South Carolina has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Controllers

The job outlook for Controllers in Charleston is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Charleston offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Financial Reporting, GAAP, Team Management, Internal Controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controller salary in Charleston, SC?

The average Controller salary in Charleston, SC is $144,450 per year. Entry-level Controllers typically start around $90,950, while experienced professionals can earn $209,185 or more. The national average for Controller roles is $135,000.

How many Controller jobs are available in Charleston?

Charleston has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Controller professionals. Major employers hiring Controllers include City of Charleston, Charleston County Schools, CARTA. The Technology and Tourism sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Charleston a good city for Controllers?

Charleston is an excellent choice for Controllers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Controllers in Charleston?

Top skills for Controllers in Charleston include Financial Reporting, GAAP, Team Management, Internal Controls, ERP Systems. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Controllers in Charleston?

Charleston's cost of living is near the national average (107% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. Purchasing power in Charleston is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Controllers in Charleston?

Charleston Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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