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How much does a Chief Operating Officer make?

The average salary for a Chief Operating Officer is $163,075 per year in the US.

A Chief Operating Officer, or COO, is a top executive in a company. This person helps run the business and makes sure it runs smoothly. The salary for a COO can vary. It can depend on the size of the company and the industry.

The average yearly salary for a COO is around $163,075. However, salaries can differ. Some may make less, while others make much more. An entry-level COO might earn around $48,770 a year. A more experienced one might earn up to $370,000 or more. Here are some common salary ranges:

  • $48,770 to $77,973
  • $77,973 to $107,175
  • $107,175 to $136,378
  • $136,378 to $165,581
  • $165,581 to $194,784
  • $194,784 to $223,986
  • $223,986 to $253,189
  • $253,189 to $282,392
  • $282,392 to $311,595
  • $311,595 to $340,797
  • $340,797 to $370,000

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What are the highest paying cities for a Chief Operating Officer?

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) can expect to earn top dollar in certain cities. San Jose, CA, leads the pack with an average salary of $242,489. Other high-paying cities include Buffalo, NY, and Worcester, MA, where COOs can make over $236,000. For those aiming for the highest salaries, relocating to these cities could be a smart career move. Major urban areas like San Diego, Chicago, and Los Angeles also offer competitive salaries. Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Stockton, CA, follow closely behind, each providing an attractive financial incentive for COOs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $242,489 and Stockton, CA with the lowest at $208,285.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $242,489
    In Silicon Valley, leading operations means driving innovation. Companies like Adobe and Intel offer dynamic work environments where you can make impactful decisions.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $236,307
    Buffalo's strong manufacturing base provides a solid foundation. Here, you can lead operations in industries like healthcare and finance. Companies like M&T Bank and Wegmans Food Markets are prominent.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Buffalo, NY


  3. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $223,427
    Worcester is a hub for education and healthcare. Leading operations here allows you to influence key sectors. You can work with companies such as UMass Memorial Health and the College of the Holy Cross.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Worcester, MA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $222,626
    San Diego offers a mix of tech and biotech industries. Leading operations here means you can work in a vibrant, coastal city. Companies like Qualcomm and Illumina are major employers.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $217,102
    Chicago's diverse economy provides many opportunities. Leading operations here means you can influence sectors from finance to manufacturing. Companies like Boeing and JPMorgan Chase are well-known.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $216,726
    In LA, operations management involves navigating a vast and diverse market. You can work in entertainment, technology, and more. Major companies like Sony Pictures and AT&T are here.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $214,244
    Seattle's tech scene is booming. Leading operations here means you can work with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The city’s progressive culture enhances your work experience.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $211,494
    Sacramento offers a blend of public and private sectors. Leading operations here allows you to impact state government and local businesses. Key companies include Blue Shield of California and the State of California.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $208,817
    San Francisco's tech industry thrives here. Leading operations means you can work with giants like Google and Salesforce. The city's innovative spirit drives your work.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $208,285
    Stockton offers a smaller, community-focused environment. Leading operations here can mean making a big impact in a close-knit setting. Companies like Pacific Gas and Electric and the City of Stockton are major employers.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Stockton, CA

What are the best companies a Chief Operating Officer can work for?

Korn Ferry offers one of the highest paying roles for Chief Operating Officers, with an average salary of $371,250. Companies like AmeriSave Mortgage and SAP also provide competitive salaries, at $350,000 and $277,277, respectively. Other notable companies include Marsh McLennan Agency and Merchants Bank, which offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting Korn Ferry with the highest at $371,250 and Abco Maintenance with the lowest at $100,000.
  1. Korn Ferry
    Average Salary: $371,250
    Korn Ferry provides human resources and organizational consulting. They offer roles across various locations including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. In this role, you will lead multiple teams to drive growth and efficiency.


  2. AmeriSave Mortgage
    Average Salary: $350,000
    AmeriSave Mortgage focuses on home lending solutions. Their Chief Operating Officer manages operations in key locations like Atlanta and Dallas. The position involves overseeing daily operations to ensure financial stability.


  3. SAP
    Average Salary: $277,277
    SAP delivers enterprise application software. They have operations in cities such as San Francisco and Austin. As COO, you will oversee software development and business operations to meet company goals.


  4. Marsh McLennan Agency
    Average Salary: $264,650
    Marsh McLennan Agency provides risk, strategy, and human capital advisory services. They operate in locations such as New York and London. In this role, you will manage risk and ensure strategic planning for the company.


  5. Merchants Bank
    Average Salary: $230,000
    Merchants Bank offers personal and commercial banking services. They are based in locations like Detroit and Charlotte. The Chief Operating Officer will manage bank operations and ensure customer satisfaction.


  6. AppleOne
    Average Salary: $162,278
    AppleOne specializes in employment services. Their operations span cities such as Los Angeles and New York. As COO, you will manage staffing solutions and ensure smooth business operations.


  7. YMCA
    Average Salary: $158,115
    YMCA offers community services and youth development programs. Locations include Boston and Seattle. The Chief Operating Officer will manage community programs and ensure they meet community needs.


  8. United Way
    Average Salary: $118,243
    United Way focuses on community improvement and social services. They operate in locations such as San Francisco and Atlanta. The COO will oversee programs and ensure effective community support.


  9. Abco Maintenance
    Average Salary: $100,000
    Abco Maintenance provides facility management services. They are based in cities like Philadelphia and Miami. As COO, you will manage maintenance operations to ensure smooth business continuity.

How to earn more as a Chief Operating Officer?

Becoming a Chief Operating Officer (COO) can be a great way to earn a good living. To increase earnings, focus on several key factors that can help boost success in this role. These factors include experience, education, skills, networking, and performance.

Experience is important. Companies value COOs with a proven track record. Gaining experience in different industries and roles can open more earning opportunities. Education, especially in business administration or a related field, can also boost a COO's salary. Advanced degrees or certifications can further enhance earning potential. Developing strong skills in areas like leadership, strategy, and financial management can make a COO more valuable. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are also key. Networking with other professionals can lead to better job offers and salary increases. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can expand a COO's network.

Performance matters. Demonstrating a strong ability to improve operations, increase efficiency, and drive revenue can lead to higher earnings. A history of successful projects and measurable results can make a COO more attractive to potential employers. Keep learning and growing to stay competitive in the job market. By focusing on these factors, a COO can work towards higher earnings and career success.

Currently 440 Chief Operating Officer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Chief Operating Officer in the US?

Learn what a Chief Operating Officer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Chief Operating Officer today.
Position
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Chief Operating Officer
440 Job Openings