Controller Jobs in Dayton, OH

Dayton, Ohio$113,400 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Controller Salary in Dayton

Entry Level
$71,400
Median
$113,400
Senior Level
$164,220

Controller salaries in Dayton are 16% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

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

Required Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPTeam ManagementInternal ControlsERP Systems

Controller Job Market in Dayton

Dayton, OH is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Controller professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Dayton offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Aerospace 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 Dayton

Regional banksCredit unionsNational financial services

Major employers hiring Controllers in Dayton include Regional banks, Credit unions, National financial services. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Controllers in Dayton

Living in Dayton as a Controller means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Controller salary, housing is quite affordable at 19% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

84
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Controller in Dayton

Dayton 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 Dayton: 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 Ohio

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

Relocating to Dayton

Dayton's affordable cost of living means your Controller salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controller salary in Dayton, OH?

The average Controller salary in Dayton, OH is $113,400 per year. Entry-level Controllers typically start around $71,400, while experienced professionals can earn $164,220 or more. The national average for Controller roles is $135,000.

How many Controller jobs are available in Dayton?

Dayton has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Controller professionals. Major employers hiring Controllers include Regional banks, Credit unions, National financial services. The Aerospace and Defense sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Dayton a good city for Controllers?

Dayton is an solid choice for Controllers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's aerospace industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

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

Top skills for Controllers in Dayton 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 Dayton?

Dayton's cost of living is below the national average (84% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Dayton is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Controllers in Dayton?

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

More Finance & Accounting Jobs in Dayton