Controller Jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, Florida$159,300 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Controller Salary in Fort Lauderdale

Entry Level
$100,300
Median
$159,300
Senior Level
$230,690

Controller salaries in Fort Lauderdale are 18% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

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

Required Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPTeam ManagementInternal ControlsERP Systems

Controller Job Market in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Controller professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Fort Lauderdale offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Tourism and Technology sectors create robust demand for Controller talent. The market for Controller positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Controllers in Fort Lauderdale

Regional banksCredit unionsNational financial services

Major employers hiring Controllers in Fort Lauderdale include Regional banks, Credit unions, National financial services. The strong financial services presence creates consistent demand for experienced Controller professionals, with competitive compensation packages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Controllers in Fort Lauderdale

Living in Fort Lauderdale as a Controller means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 118% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Controller salary, housing is quite affordable at 14% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

118
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Controller in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale: 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 Florida

Florida has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Controller earning $159,300 would save approximately $7,965 annually. This makes Fort Lauderdale attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Controllers

The job outlook for Controllers in Fort Lauderdale is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale

Florida has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controller salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

The average Controller salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $159,300 per year. Entry-level Controllers typically start around $100,300, while experienced professionals can earn $230,690 or more. The national average for Controller roles is $135,000.

How many Controller jobs are available in Fort Lauderdale?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale a good city for Controllers?

Fort Lauderdale is an solid 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 tourism industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Controllers in Fort Lauderdale?

Top skills for Controllers in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale's cost of living is above the national average (118% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Fort Lauderdale is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Controllers in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale

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