Controller Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, California$224,100 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Controller Jobs in Los Angeles

Looking for a Controller job in Los Angeles? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Controller in Los Angeles, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Los Angeles has a strong job market for Controllers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Controller Salary in Los Angeles

Entry Level
$141,100
Median
$224,100
Senior Level
$324,530

Controller salaries in Los Angeles are 66% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

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

Required Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPTeam ManagementInternal ControlsERP Systems

Controller Job Market in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Controller professionals. With a population of 4.0 million, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. While Entertainment 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 Los Angeles

Capital GroupPIMCOOaktree CapitalTCW GroupCity National Bank

Major employers hiring Controllers in Los Angeles include Capital Group, PIMCO, Oaktree Capital, TCW Group, and City National Bank. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Controllers in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles as a Controller means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (166% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month (44% above the national average of $1,800). At median Controller salary, housing is quite affordable at 14% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $2,000/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

166
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.6K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Controller in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Expanding Metro Rail system, extensive bus network, but car-centric. The average commute time is 31 minutes. Metro Rail is expanding but doesn't reach everywhere yet. Living near your workplace drastically improves quality of life.

Best neighborhoods for Controllers in Los Angeles: 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 California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Controller earning $224,100 might pay approximately $17,928 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Controllers

The job outlook for Controllers in Los Angeles is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, Los Angeles typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Financial Reporting, GAAP, Team Management, Internal Controls.

Relocating to Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a very high cost of living. Many Controllers negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Controller salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The average Controller salary in Los Angeles, CA is $224,100 per year. Entry-level Controllers typically start around $141,100, while experienced professionals can earn $324,530 or more. The national average for Controller roles is $135,000.

How many Controller jobs are available in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Controller professionals. Major employers hiring Controllers include Capital Group, PIMCO, Oaktree Capital, TCW Group. The Entertainment and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Los Angeles a good city for Controllers?

Los Angeles is an excellent choice for Controllers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's entertainment industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Controllers in Los Angeles?

Top skills for Controllers in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

Los Angeles's cost of living is significantly above the national average (166% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month. Purchasing power in Los Angeles is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Controllers in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Expanding Metro Rail system, extensive bus network, but car-centric. The average commute is 31 minutes. Metro Rail is expanding but doesn't reach everywhere yet.

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