Controller Jobs in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg, Florida$137,700 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Controller Jobs in St. Petersburg

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

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.

St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg

Entry Level
$86,700
Median
$137,700
Senior Level
$199,410

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

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

Required Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPTeam ManagementInternal ControlsERP Systems

Controller Job Market in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, FL is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Controller professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, St. Petersburg offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Finance 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 St. Petersburg

Regional banksCredit unionsNational financial services

Major employers hiring Controllers in St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg

Living in St. Petersburg 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 $1,800/month. At median Controller salary, housing is quite affordable at 16% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Controller in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg: 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 $137,700 would save approximately $6,885 annually. This makes St. Petersburg attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Controllers

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

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 St. Petersburg, FL?

The average Controller salary in St. Petersburg, FL is $137,700 per year. Entry-level Controllers typically start around $86,700, while experienced professionals can earn $199,410 or more. The national average for Controller roles is $135,000.

How many Controller jobs are available in St. Petersburg?

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

Is St. Petersburg a good city for Controllers?

St. Petersburg 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 healthcare industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Controllers in St. Petersburg?

Top skills for Controllers in St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg?

St. Petersburg's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in St. Petersburg is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Controllers in St. Petersburg?

St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg

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