Chief Operating Officer vs Chief Technology Officer: 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.
Chief Technology Officer
Lead technology strategy and oversee all technical operations at the C-suite level.
Chief Operating Officer earns more on average — the national median is $6,565/year (2%) higher than a Chief Technology Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Chief Operating Officer vs Chief Technology Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Chief Operating Officer | Chief Technology Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $416,836 | $415,309 | Chief +$1,527 |
| New York, NY | $350,977 | $336,860 | Chief +$14,117 |
| Seattle, WA | $416,797 | $408,302 | Chief +$8,495 |
| Austin, TX | $316,826 | $311,588 | Chief +$5,238 |
| Chicago, IL | $305,213 | $298,064 | Chief +$7,149 |
| Boston, MA | $379,932 | $367,846 | Chief +$12,086 |
| London, UK | £223,196 | £225,366 | Chief $2,170 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$385,882 | CA$365,223 | Chief +$20,659 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Operating Officer or Chief Technology Officer 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 $282,275/year for a Chief Technology Officer — a difference of $6,565 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Chief Operating Officer or Chief Technology Officer?+
Chief Operating Officer roles are growing at 5% YoY while Chief Technology Officer demand is growing at 18% YoY. Chief Technology Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Technology Officer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Leadership.
Which is harder to automate — Chief Operating Officer or Chief Technology Officer?+
Chief Operating Officer has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 18%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.