Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller Salary

National Compensation Range

Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller Salary by City

Median (P50) adjusted for metro cost of labor.

Also Known As

Aviation Financial Controller, Flight Department Business Manager, Aviation Budget Analyst, Director of Finance (Flight Department), Aviation Finance Manager

What Does a Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller Do?

The Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller operates in private aviation operations, managing aircraft, flight crews, and aviation logistics for principals, charter operators, or fractional ownership programs. Classified at the Manager level, this position draws from a competitive candidate pool, though specialized qualifications and sector-specific experience remain key differentiators in hiring.

What Drives Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller Compensation?

The median (P50) compensation for a Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller is $125,000, with the 25th to 75th percentile range spanning $55,000 to $90,000. Pay variation across this range is primarily driven by aircraft type and fleet size, flight hours, type ratings held, international operating experience, Part 91 vs. Part 135 operations, and the principal's travel frequency.

Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller Career Path

Professionals who move into Flight Department Budget Manager / Financial Controller roles most commonly come from commercial aviation, military flight operations, or corporate flight departments. From this position, the typical trajectory leads toward chief pilot positions, director of aviation, aviation management company leadership, or fleet management for multi-aircraft operations.

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