Chief Executive Officer vs Chief Operating Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Chief Executive Officer
Lead the overall strategy, operations, and performance of an organisation.
Chief Operating Officer
Oversee daily operations and ensure business goals are achieved.
Chief Executive Officer earns more on average — the national median is $39,387/year (14%) higher than a Chief Operating Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Chief Executive Officer vs Chief Operating Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Chief Executive Officer | Chief Operating Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $470,540 | $416,836 | Chief +$53,704 |
| New York, NY | $389,295 | $350,977 | Chief +$38,318 |
| Seattle, WA | $453,569 | $416,797 | Chief +$36,772 |
| Austin, TX | $371,088 | $316,826 | Chief +$54,262 |
| Chicago, IL | $352,138 | $305,213 | Chief +$46,925 |
| Boston, MA | $432,865 | $379,932 | Chief +$52,933 |
| London, UK | £244,127 | £223,196 | Chief +$20,931 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$421,862 | CA$385,882 | Chief +$35,980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer earn more?+
A Chief Executive Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Chief Executive Officer is $328,227/year, compared to $288,840/year for a Chief Operating Officer — a difference of $39,387 (14%).
Which has better career growth — Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer?+
Chief Executive Officer roles are growing at 5% YoY while Chief Operating Officer demand is growing at 5% YoY. Chief Operating Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Chief Executive Officer to Chief Operating Officer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer?+
Chief Executive Officer has a lower AI automation risk (5% vs 8%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.