Financial Manager Salaries: CFOs and Finance Directors by State
June 1, 2026
Financial managers direct financial operations — budgeting, reporting, investment decisions, and financial strategy. The category covers CFOs, controllers, treasurers, and finance directors. It consistently ranks as one of the higher-paying management occupations in BLS data.
National Wage Overview
Financial manager wages are among the top 10% of all occupations in BLS OEWS. The 90th percentile hits the top-code cap in many states, reflecting the extreme upper end of the CFO pay spectrum at large companies — where total compensation including bonuses and equity can reach into the millions.
Company Size Effect
A CFO at a 50-person company and a CFO at a Fortune 500 firm both hold the same BLS job title — but their compensation differs by orders of magnitude. BLS data blends the entire range. The national median reflects a typical mid-market finance director more than a public company CFO.
Highest-Paying States
New York, California, and Connecticut dominate financial manager wages, reflecting the concentration of large financial services firms and corporate headquarters in these states.
Compare to Related Roles
See wages for financial analysts and chief executives. Browse all management occupation wages.