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 make sure everything runs smoothly. The salary for a COO can vary, but on average, they make $166,869 per year. This figure reflects the wide range of salaries, from lower to higher earners.
The salary for a COO can depend on several factors. These include the size of the company, the industry, and the location. In larger companies, a COO may earn more. Different industries may offer varying salaries as well. For instance, those in tech or finance often see higher pay. Location also plays a role, with some areas offering higher salaries than others.
What are the highest paying cities for a Chief Operating Officer?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $237,191
San Jose is a great place for top executives. Silicon Valley is home to many tech giants. These companies need strong leaders for daily operations.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $222,300
In Worcester, operations leaders guide businesses through growth. The city’s mix of industries offers diverse opportunities. Companies here value effective management.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $216,916
Chicago offers a vibrant business scene for operations heads. Many Fortune 500 companies are based here. They seek leaders who can drive efficiency and innovation.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $211,478
Sacramento provides a steady environment for operations leaders. The state capital’s economy is strong. Leaders here focus on streamlining processes and enhancing productivity.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $209,921
Los Angeles is a dynamic market for executives. The entertainment industry and tech sector thrive here. Companies need leaders who can manage large teams and complex operations.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $207,673
Seattle’s tech boom creates many opportunities for operations leaders. Major tech firms like Amazon and Microsoft are based here. They need strong executives to keep operations running smoothly.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $204,822
Las Vegas offers a unique setting for operations leaders. The hospitality and entertainment industries dominate. Leaders here manage high-paced environments and large events.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $198,880
San Francisco’s tech scene is thriving. Companies need leaders to manage their day-to-day operations. The city’s innovative spirit drives the need for skilled executives.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $196,678
San Diego offers a balanced environment for operations leaders. The city’s diverse economy includes biotech and defense. Leaders here focus on efficiency and growth in various sectors.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $195,230
Stockton provides a growing market for operations leaders. The region’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors offer diverse opportunities. Companies value leaders who can drive local business success.
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What are the best companies a Chief Operating Officer can work for?

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Korn Ferry
Average Salary: $377,045
Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. It operates in over 80 countries and offers Chief Operating Officer jobs focused on leadership, talent, and organizational development. Korn Ferry is based in Los Angeles with offices in New York, London, and Singapore.
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AmeriSave Mortgage
Average Salary: $350,000
AmeriSave Mortgage is a mortgage banking company in the United States. Chief Operating Officers at AmeriSave work on mortgage lending and operations. The company operates across several states with headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.
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Marsh McLennan Agency
Average Salary: $291,075
Marsh McLennan Agency is a global professional services firm providing consulting services. Chief Operating Officers manage day-to-day operations for clients. They operate in various locations, including New York, London, and Sydney.
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Tenet Healthcare
Average Salary: $268,912
Tenet Healthcare is a healthcare services company. It offers Chief Operating Officer positions to oversee hospital operations. The company operates in multiple states with headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
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SAP
Average Salary: $264,141
SAP is a global software company. Chief Operating Officers at SAP manage enterprise software solutions. They have offices around the world, including in Walldorf, Germany, and Austin, Texas.
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Merchants Bank
Average Salary: $230,000
Merchants Bank offers banking and financial services. Chief Operating Officers handle operational and banking functions. The company operates in several states with headquarters in Detroit, Michigan.
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Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
Average Salary: $226,250
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants provide management consulting. Chief Operating Officers lead consulting projects and operations. They have offices in Chicago, Illinois, and New York.
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Select Specialty Hospital
Average Salary: $174,667
Select Specialty Hospital offers specialized medical care. Chief Operating Officers manage hospital operations. They have locations across multiple states with headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
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YMCA
Average Salary: $164,467
YMCA provides community services and youth development programs. Chief Operating Officers manage program operations. They operate in cities across the U.S., with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $156,400
Wells Fargo is a financial services company. Chief Operating Officers oversee banking operations. They have locations nationwide with headquarters in San Francisco, California.
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 position, a COO should focus on improving operational efficiency. By streamlining processes, a COO can reduce costs and increase productivity. This leads to higher profits and a better financial position for the company.
Another way to earn more is by gaining advanced certifications and education. These credentials can make a COO more attractive to potential employers. They show a commitment to the field and an understanding of the latest industry trends. Some useful certifications include the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Continuing education can lead to higher-paying positions.
Experience is also important. A COO with a strong track record of success will command a higher salary. This includes experience in managing teams, developing strategies, and achieving financial goals. Working in different industries can also broaden a COO's skill set and make them more valuable.
- Improve Operational Efficiency: Streamline processes to reduce costs and increase productivity.
- Gain Advanced Certifications: Obtain credentials like PMP and CPA to enhance your credentials.
- Gain Experience: Build a strong track record of success in managing teams and achieving goals.
- Work in Different Industries: Broaden your skill set by gaining experience in various sectors.
- Network with Industry Leaders: Build relationships with other professionals to learn and grow in your career.



