Chief Operating Officer vs Business Development Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Chief Operating Officer
Oversee daily operations and ensure business goals are achieved.
Business Development Manager
Identify and pursue growth opportunities through partnerships and new markets.
Chief Operating Officer earns more on average — the national median is $147,046/year (104%) higher than a Business Development Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Chief Operating Officer vs Business Development Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Chief Operating Officer | Business Development Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $416,836 | $205,359 | Chief +$211,477 |
| New York, NY | $350,977 | $171,357 | Chief +$179,620 |
| Seattle, WA | $416,797 | $203,990 | Chief +$212,807 |
| Austin, TX | $316,826 | $154,205 | Chief +$162,621 |
| Chicago, IL | $305,213 | $150,219 | Chief +$154,994 |
| Boston, MA | $379,932 | $185,946 | Chief +$193,986 |
| London, UK | £223,196 | £107,326 | Chief +$115,870 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$385,882 | CA$193,355 | Chief +$192,527 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Operating Officer or Business Development Manager earn more?+
A Chief Operating Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Chief Operating Officer is $288,840/year, compared to $141,794/year for a Business Development Manager — a difference of $147,046 (104%).
Which has better career growth — Chief Operating Officer or Business Development Manager?+
Chief Operating Officer roles are growing at 5% YoY while Business Development Manager demand is growing at 12% YoY. Business Development Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Chief Operating Officer to Business Development Manager?+
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 Operating Officer or Business Development Manager?+
Chief Operating Officer has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 25%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.