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Chief Operating Officer Salaries

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

How much does a Chief Operating Officer make?

The average salary for a Chief Operating Officer is $165,268 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
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Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Chief Operating Officer positions, showing an average salary of $165,268 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Chief Operating Officer positions, showing an average salary of $165,268 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Chief Operating Officer positions, showing an average salary of $165,268 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Chief Operating Officer positions, showing an average salary of $165,268 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a key role in running a company. They help set goals and make sure the company runs smoothly. This important job comes with a good salary. On average, a COO earns around $165,000 a year. Some may earn less while others earn more depending on the company and location.


Here are some details about the salary for this position:

  • The lowest-paid COOs earn about $52,000 a year.
  • The highest-paid COOs earn about $352,000 a year.
This range shows that experience and company size can affect the salary. Job seekers with more experience and those working for larger companies may see higher pay.

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

Job seekers looking for Chief Operating Officer roles should focus on major tech hubs and urban centers. San Jose, CA, and Worcester, MA, offer the highest average salaries for these positions. Both cities provide dynamic business environments and robust industry networks, making them ideal for top-tier executives. Exploring other top-paying cities like Los Angeles, CA, and San Francisco, CA, can also yield excellent career opportunities. These locations benefit from strong economies and diverse industries, ensuring competitive compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $232,816 and Stockton, CA with the lowest at $197,384.

  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $232,816
    In Silicon Valley, leading an operational team can mean shaping the future of tech. Companies like Adobe and Cisco need strong leaders to keep their operations running smoothly. This role offers a chance to be at the forefront of innovation.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $222,300
    Worcester boasts a mix of established firms and startups. Leading operations here can involve working with companies in healthcare and manufacturing. This dynamic environment offers opportunities to drive efficiency and growth.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Worcester, MA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $219,227
    Managing operations in Los Angeles means working in a bustling market. Companies in entertainment and technology thrive here. As a leader, you will ensure that daily operations support ambitious goals.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $213,374
    Sacramento is a hub for government and finance. Leading operations in this city offers a chance to work with major financial institutions and government agencies. This role can involve streamlining processes and improving service delivery.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $212,153
    Las Vegas is known for its vibrant hospitality and entertainment sectors. Operating in this fast-paced city requires a leader who can manage high-volume operations. Companies like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment look for strong operational leaders.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $210,625
    Seattle is a center for tech and aerospace. Leading operations here means working with giants like Microsoft and Boeing. This role offers a chance to influence cutting-edge projects and drive operational success.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $210,624
    San Diego offers a blend of biotech and defense industries. Leading operations in this city can involve working with companies like Qualcomm and Scripps. This role allows you to manage diverse operations and support innovative projects.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $209,024
    Chicago’s diverse economy includes finance, manufacturing, and technology. Leading operations in this city offers the chance to work with major firms like Boeing and Allstate. This role involves ensuring efficiency and driving business growth.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $206,805
    San Francisco is a hub for tech and finance. Companies like Salesforce and Uber need strong operational leaders. This role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to innovate and lead large teams.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $197,384
    Stockton offers a mix of agriculture and emerging tech firms. Leading operations here can involve working with local businesses and supporting growth. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in a growing market.
    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. This company pays an average of $357,727. AmeriSave Mortgage also pays well, offering an average of $350,000. These leading companies provide excellent opportunities for those in this role. SAP and Marsh McLennan Agency offer competitive salaries as well. SAP pays an average of $267,492 while Marsh McLennan Agency pays $291,075. Abbott, Merchants Bank, and Kennedy/Jenks Consultants also offer strong compensation packages. These companies value the leadership skills of Chief Operating Officers and reflect that in their salaries.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Chief Operating Officer jobs, highlighting Korn Ferry with the highest at $357,727 and SCA Health with the lowest at $132,923.

  1. Korn Ferry
    Average Salary: $357,727
    Korn Ferry offers top-tier Chief Operating Officer (COO) positions, blending strategy with operational excellence. Korn Ferry operates globally, with major offices in Los Angeles, New York, and other strategic locations.


  2. AmeriSave Mortgage
    Average Salary: $350,000
    AmeriSave Mortgage seeks seasoned COOs who can drive growth and innovation. The company operates nationwide, with a focus on mortgage lending and financial services.


  3. Marsh McLennan Agency
    Average Salary: $291,075
    Marsh McLennan Agency looks for COOs to enhance operational efficiency. This firm operates across multiple sectors, including insurance, risk management, and consulting.


  4. SAP
    Average Salary: $267,492
    SAP offers competitive salaries for COOs focused on technology and software solutions. The company is a global leader with offices in many countries.


  5. Merchants Bank
    Average Salary: $230,000
    Merchants Bank provides COO positions with strong financial oversight. Operating mainly in the United States, the bank emphasizes community banking and customer service.


  6. Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
    Average Salary: $226,250
    Kennedy/Jenks Consultants seeks COOs to manage their diverse consulting services. The firm operates across the U.S. and specializes in strategic management.


  7. Abbott
    Average Salary: $175,518
    Abbott offers COO roles that focus on healthcare innovation. This multinational company operates in many countries, particularly in medical devices and nutrition.


  8. AppleOne
    Average Salary: $162,278
    AppleOne hires COOs to manage staffing and employment services. The company has a broad reach, providing job placement across various industries.


  9. YMCA
    Average Salary: $159,273
    YMCA offers COO positions focused on community services and wellness. Operating in many locations, YMCA emphasizes health, safety, and child care.


  10. SCA Health
    Average Salary: $132,923
    SCA Health seeks COOs to manage surgical and outpatient care services. This healthcare company operates in many states, providing specialized care solutions.

How to earn more as a Chief Operating Officer?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical role in the success of any company. To maximize earnings in this role, certain strategies can be very effective. One key approach is gaining experience in multiple industries. Broadening knowledge across different sectors can make a COO more versatile and valuable to potential employers. Another factor is developing strong leadership skills. Effective leaders inspire and guide their teams, leading to higher productivity and better results. Networking with industry peers and mentors also helps in discovering new opportunities and gaining insights into industry trends.

Investing in continued education is another way to increase earnings. Taking courses or earning certifications in business management or operations can make a COO more competitive. A COO who has certifications or advanced degrees often commands a higher salary. Lastly, focusing on improving efficiency and profitability in operations directly impacts the company's bottom line. A COO who can implement cost-saving measures and improve processes will be highly valued.

  1. Gain experience in multiple industries
  2. Develop strong leadership skills
  3. Network with industry peers and mentors
  4. Invest in continued education
  5. Focus on improving efficiency and profitability

Currently 483 Chief Operating Officer job openings, nationwide.

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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.
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Chief Operating Officer
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