How much does a Chief Operating Officer make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Chief Operating Officer?

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Gain experience in different industries
- Develop strong leadership skills
- Earn advanced degrees or certifications
- Network with other professionals
- Stay updated on industry trends



