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How much does a Chief Operating Officer make?

The average salary for a Chief Operating Officer is $165,284 per year in the US.

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a key role in a company. They help manage day-to-day operations and ensure everything runs smoothly. This important job often comes with a good salary. On average, a COO makes about $165,284 per year. This number can change based on the company size, industry, and location.

COOs in larger companies often earn more. For example, those in the top 10% of earners make over $350,000 a year. This high salary reflects the responsibility and skill needed for the job. A COO must balance many tasks, from overseeing staff to managing budgets. Their work helps the company achieve its goals and grow. This makes the role both challenging and rewarding.

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

Job seekers in search of top-tier salaries can find excellent opportunities in cities like San Jose, CA, and Chicago, IL. These locations boast some of the highest average salaries for Chief Operating Officers. With competitive pay, these cities attract top talent and offer rewarding career prospects.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $237,191 and Stockton, CA with the lowest at $195,230.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $237,191
    In San Jose, leading a company as a COO means navigating the tech-heavy landscape. With giants like Intel and Cisco, the focus is on innovation and efficiency. The role demands strong leadership to manage operations and drive growth.
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  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $216,748
    Chicago offers a dynamic environment for a COO. The city's diverse industries, from finance to manufacturing, require a versatile leader. Companies like Boeing and McDonald's value strategic oversight and operational excellence.
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  3. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $212,120
    Worcester provides a balanced setting for operational leadership. The presence of companies like UMass Memorial and Fidelity Investments means a focus on healthcare and financial services. A COO here must balance innovation with community needs.
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  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $211,478
    Sacramento, as the state capital, offers a unique operational environment. The government sector and companies like Blue Shield of California require a COO adept at managing public and private sectors. The focus is on policy impact and operational efficiency.
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  5. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $204,822
    Las Vegas, with its vibrant tourism and entertainment industry, presents a unique challenge for a COO. Companies like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment demand a leader who can manage high-pressure environments and ensure seamless guest experiences.
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  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $204,744
    In Los Angeles, a COO navigates the entertainment and media industries. With companies like Disney and Warner Bros., the role involves managing large-scale productions and creative teams. The focus is on innovation and global reach.
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  7. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $203,660
    Seattle's tech-driven economy, with companies like Amazon and Microsoft, offers a fast-paced environment for a COO. The role requires strategic thinking and operational agility to support rapid growth and innovation.
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  8. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $199,571
    San Francisco, a tech hub, demands a COO with strong tech industry knowledge. Companies like Google and Salesforce require a leader who can manage complex operations and foster innovation in a competitive market.
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  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $196,678
    San Diego, with its strong biotech and defense sectors, offers a unique operational landscape. Companies like Qualcomm and Scripps Health require a COO who can manage diverse industries and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
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  10. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $195,230
    Stockton provides a community-focused operational environment. The presence of companies like Pacific Gas and Electric and Blue Shield of California requires a COO who can balance operational efficiency with community engagement and support.
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What are the best companies a Chief Operating Officer can work for?

AmeriSave Mortgage offers one of the highest salaries for Chief Operating Officers, with an average of $350,000. Marsh McLennan Agency follows closely, providing an average salary of $317,500. SAP also offers a competitive salary of $263,497 for this role. Other notable companies include Tenet Healthcare, Merchants Bank, and Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, all offering salaries above $200,000. These companies recognize the value of a strong COO and are willing to invest in top talent. Job seekers should consider these opportunities for attractive compensation and career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting AmeriSave Mortgage with the highest at $350,000 and Wells Fargo with the lowest at $156,400.
  1. AmeriSave Mortgage
    Average Salary: $350,000
    AmeriSave Mortgage offers a dynamic role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on mortgage lending and work across the United States. The COO leads operations, ensuring smooth processes and growth.


  2. Marsh McLennan Agency
    Average Salary: $317,500
    Marsh McLennan Agency provides top-tier opportunities for Chief Operating Officers. They specialize in insurance and risk management. The COO oversees operations in various locations, including New York and Chicago.


  3. SAP
    Average Salary: $263,497
    SAP, a global software company, offers a rewarding role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on enterprise software solutions. The COO manages operations across multiple countries, including Germany and the United States.


  4. Tenet Healthcare
    Average Salary: $257,733
    Tenet Healthcare provides a significant role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on healthcare services. The COO oversees operations in various states, including California and Texas.


  5. Merchants Bank
    Average Salary: $230,000
    Merchants Bank offers a competitive role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on financial services. The COO manages operations in key locations, such as New York and San Francisco.


  6. Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
    Average Salary: $226,250
    Kennedy/Jenks Consultants provides a valuable role for Chief Operating Officers. They specialize in consulting services. The COO oversees operations in major cities, including Washington, D.C., and Boston.


  7. Kindred Hospitals
    Average Salary: $166,913
    Kindred Hospitals offers a rewarding role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on healthcare services. The COO manages operations in various locations, including Texas and Florida.


  8. Select Specialty Hospital
    Average Salary: $166,857
    Select Specialty Hospital provides a significant role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on long-term acute care. The COO oversees operations in multiple states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania.


  9. YMCA
    Average Salary: $160,005
    YMCA offers a fulfilling role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on community services. The COO manages operations in various locations, including New York and California.


  10. Wells Fargo
    Average Salary: $156,400
    Wells Fargo provides a competitive role for Chief Operating Officers. They focus on financial services. The COO oversees operations in key locations, including California and North Carolina.

How to earn more as a Chief Operating Officer?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a key role in a company's success. To earn more in this role, focus on these important factors. First, gaining experience in different industries can open up more job opportunities. Each industry has unique challenges and skills. Mastering these can make a COO more valuable.

Second, developing strong leadership skills can lead to higher earnings. A COO must manage teams, make tough decisions, and drive the company forward. Effective leadership can boost a company's performance and lead to higher pay. Third, earning advanced degrees or certifications can also increase a COO's salary. Programs in business administration or management can provide valuable knowledge. Fourth, networking with other professionals can lead to better job offers. Attending industry events and joining professional groups can help a COO connect with others in the field. Finally, staying updated on industry trends can make a COO more competitive. Keeping up with the latest technology and practices can improve job performance and lead to higher pay.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Gain experience in different industries
  2. Develop strong leadership skills
  3. Earn advanced degrees or certifications
  4. Network with other professionals
  5. Stay updated on industry trends

Currently 309 Chief Operating Officer job openings, nationwide.

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

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Position
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Chief Operating Officer
309 Job Openings