As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Chief Operating Officer in the United States is $465,547 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $224.
However, a Chief Operating Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Operating Officer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Operating Officer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Operating Officer | $436,511 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Operating Officer | $440,368 |
| Senior Level Chief Operating Officer | $445,510 |
| Specialist Level Chief Operating Officer | $453,223 |
| Expert Level Chief Operating Officer | $462,865 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Operating Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 17.81% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.68% |
| Business Administration | 1.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Communication Skills
|
$502,791 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$498,135 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$498,135 |
7%
|
|
Initiative
|
$493,480 |
6%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$493,480 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$488,824 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief Operating Officers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Chief Operating Officer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $455,838 and $523,206).
Chief Operating Officer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 5.8% |
| Associates | 4.1% |
| Bachelors | 39.2% |
| Masters | 44.1% |
| Doctorate | 5.7% |
Understanding how a Chief Operating Officer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Chief Operating Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $273,062 in 2023 to around $260,597 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Operating Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $273,062 |
| 2024 | $266,844 |
| 2025 | $260,597 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Chief Operating Officer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chief Operating Officer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief Operating Officer is $587,194.
The highest pay for Chief Operating Officer is $583,053.
The lowest pay for Chief Operating Officer is $388,388.
Leads the planning and development of an organization's operational policies, objectives, and initiatives. Develops strategies and oversees the execution of plans to attain short- and long-term financial and mission-critical operational goals. Directs the development of the organization's functional capacity that will produce sustainable growth and minimize risk. Defines operating goals and develops budgets to support business objectives. Establishes effective operational policies and procedures. Researches technology changes to lead expansion efforts, drive scalability, and implement technology-driven solutions. Typically requires a master's degree. Typically reports to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). C-suite level management. Develops functional or business unit strategy for an organization. Executes multiple high impact initiatives to achieve organizational goals. Defines vision, strategy, and focus for a major functional or business unit. Substantial experience with setting key metrics like KPIs or OKRs and shaping plans to meet objectives. Typically requires progressive leadership experience in senior management roles. Has expert level knowledge of the overall departmental function. Demonstrated experience in developing and executing long term business strategies.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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