Position
Salary

How much does a Chief Operating Officer make?

The average salary for a Chief Operating Officer is $166,117 per year in the US.

A Chief Operating Officer, or COO, often earns a high salary. This is due to the important role they play in running a company. The average yearly salary for a COO is around $166,117. This means that a COO can expect to earn a good income, especially in larger companies.

COOs earn salaries that can vary widely. Many factors can influence this, such as the industry, company size, and location. For instance, a COO in a tech company might earn more than one in a nonprofit organization. Also, those in larger cities often have higher salaries due to the higher cost of living.

View Chief Operating Officer jobs nearby

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

Job seekers seeking high salaries for Chief Operating Officer roles have several cities to consider. Buffalo, NY, leads the pack with an average salary of $259,650. Cities like San Diego, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, also offer competitive wages. Other notable cities include Washington, DC, and Seattle, WA, where salaries remain attractive. San Jose, CA, and San Francisco, CA, round out the top cities with promising financial rewards. Choosing a city with a high average salary can enhance career growth and financial stability.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting Buffalo, NY with the highest at $259,650 and Stockton, CA with the lowest at $217,520.
  1. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $259,650
    In Buffalo, NY, a COO can expect to work in a city with a strong industrial base. The presence of major companies like New Era Cap Company and HSBC North America offers excellent opportunities. The city’s focus on technology and manufacturing provides a dynamic work environment.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Buffalo, NY


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $244,282
    San Diego, CA, boasts a thriving tech scene with companies such as Qualcomm and Northrop Grumman. As a COO here, you'll navigate a competitive landscape with many opportunities for growth. The city’s mild climate and vibrant culture make it an attractive place to live and work.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $235,323
    Working in Los Angeles, CA, as a COO offers access to a diverse job market. Major firms like The Walt Disney Company and American Airlines offer dynamic challenges. The bustling environment and rich cultural scene provide a unique backdrop for professional growth.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $233,377
    In Washington, DC, a COO can influence national policies while managing corporate operations. Key employers such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing offer impactful roles. The city’s blend of politics and business creates a distinctive working atmosphere.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $231,111
    Seattle, WA, offers a tech-savvy environment with companies like Microsoft and Amazon. As a COO, you'll thrive in this innovative space. The city’s natural beauty and outdoor activities provide a perfect balance to a demanding career.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $229,084
    San Jose, CA, is the heart of Silicon Valley, offering unmatched opportunities in tech. Companies like Intel and VMware dominate the landscape. Working as a COO here means constant innovation and leadership in a high-tech hub.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $223,794
    San Francisco, CA, is a global financial hub with giants like Salesforce and Uber. As a COO, you'll manage operations in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. The diverse culture and opportunities for growth make it an exciting place to work.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $223,427
    In Worcester, MA, a COO can find a mix of industries and startups. The presence of companies like UMASS Memorial Health Care provides solid opportunities. The city’s supportive business environment fosters innovation and growth.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Worcester, MA


  9. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $218,951
    Chicago, IL, offers a diverse job market with companies like Boeing and McDonald's. As a COO, you'll navigate a city known for its business acumen. The rich cultural scene and educational institutions provide a robust backdrop for professional development.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $217,520
    Stockton, CA, offers a smaller market with unique challenges for a COO. Companies like Pacific Gas and Electric Company provide opportunities in utilities and energy. The city’s growing tech scene adds to its appeal for operational management roles.
    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 salaries for Chief Operating Officers, with an average of $367,083 annually. Marsh McLennan Agency and Reed Construction also provide attractive compensation packages, averaging $264,650 and $187,500, respectively. These companies recognize the importance of skilled leaders and reward them with competitive pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting Korn Ferry with the highest at $367,083 and ABCO Facility Maintenance with the lowest at $100,000.
  1. Korn Ferry
    Average Salary: $367,083
    Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. It focuses on leadership, talent, and organizational transformation. Korn Ferry operates in multiple locations, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Chief Operating Officer roles here involve managing day-to-day operations, overseeing client engagements, and ensuring the company's strategies are effectively executed.


  2. Marsh McLennan Agency
    Average Salary: $264,650
    Marsh McLennan Agency is a leading insurance brokerage and risk management company. It serves clients worldwide, with major operations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Chief Operating Officer at Marsh McLennan Agency plays a key role in driving operational excellence. Responsibilities include managing operational processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.


  3. Reed Construction
    Average Salary: $187,500
    Reed Construction is a top-tier construction company with operations across the United States, particularly in California and Texas. The Chief Operating Officer leads the company’s construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. They work closely with project managers and site supervisors to maintain high-quality standards and operational efficiency.


  4. AppleOne Employment Services
    Average Salary: $166,671
    AppleOne Employment Services offers staffing solutions across various industries in the United States. With locations in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the company's Chief Operating Officer focuses on optimizing staffing operations. This includes managing recruitment processes, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality staffing services.


  5. SCA Health
    Average Salary: $146,983
    SCA Health is a leading outpatient healthcare services provider with operations throughout the United States. It operates ambulatory surgery centers and specialty hospitals. The Chief Operating Officer here manages clinical and operational activities to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. They also work on strategic planning and facility management.


  6. Better Talent
    Average Salary: $143,333
    Better Talent is an innovative talent management company based in the United States. It specializes in recruiting top talent for various industries. The Chief Operating Officer plays a crucial role in overseeing day-to-day operations. They ensure seamless recruitment processes, maintain strong client relationships, and drive business growth.


  7. United Way
    Average Salary: $115,089
    United Way is a nonprofit organization with operations across the United States, supporting community improvement programs. The Chief Operating Officer manages the organization's operations to achieve its mission. They focus on program management, fundraising, and ensuring efficient use of resources to support community initiatives.


  8. ABCO Facility Maintenance
    Average Salary: $100,000
    ABCO Facility Maintenance provides maintenance and facility management services across the United States. With locations in key cities, the Chief Operating Officer ensures all maintenance operations run smoothly. They oversee maintenance teams, manage budgets, and ensure the facilities meet high-quality standards.

How to earn more as a Chief Operating Officer?

Being a Chief Operating Officer (COO) involves overseeing the daily operations of a company. This role is crucial for ensuring efficiency and productivity. To earn more as a COO, consider these key factors that can help boost your income.

First, gaining experience in different industries can make a significant difference. Each industry has its own set of challenges and opportunities. Experience across multiple sectors can provide a broader perspective and make a COO more valuable. This versatility often leads to higher pay. Second, developing strong leadership skills is essential. A COO needs to lead teams effectively and inspire others. Good leadership can improve team performance and company results, leading to higher earnings.

To earn more, it helps to hold advanced degrees such as an MBA or a relevant professional certification. These qualifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and can open up higher-paying opportunities. Third, networking with industry professionals can lead to better job offers. Building a strong professional network can provide insights into higher-paying positions. Fourth, staying updated on industry trends and technologies is important. This knowledge can help a COO make better decisions and improve company performance, which can result in salary increases. Lastly, taking on roles that involve strategic decision-making can also lead to higher earnings. These roles often come with higher responsibilities and better pay.

  1. Industry Experience: Working in different industries.
  2. Leadership Skills: Leading teams effectively.
  3. Advanced Degrees: Holding an MBA or relevant certifications.
  4. Networking: Building connections with industry professionals.
  5. Staying Updated: Keeping up with industry trends and technologies.

Currently 410 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
Overview
Chief Operating Officer
410 Job Openings