Chief Operating Officer vs Management Consultant: 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.
Management Consultant
Advise organisations on strategy, operations, and performance improvement.
Chief Operating Officer earns more on average — the national median is $137,856/year (91%) higher than a Management Consultant. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Chief Operating Officer vs Management Consultant — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Chief Operating Officer | Management Consultant | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $416,836 | $214,912 | Chief +$201,924 |
| New York, NY | $350,977 | $186,470 | Chief +$164,507 |
| Seattle, WA | $416,797 | $217,650 | Chief +$199,147 |
| Austin, TX | $316,826 | $167,101 | Chief +$149,725 |
| Chicago, IL | $305,213 | $159,412 | Chief +$145,801 |
| Boston, MA | $379,932 | $194,443 | Chief +$185,489 |
| London, UK | £223,196 | £115,523 | Chief +$107,673 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$385,882 | CA$198,500 | Chief +$187,382 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Operating Officer or Management Consultant 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 $150,984/year for a Management Consultant — a difference of $137,856 (91%).
Which has better career growth — Chief Operating Officer or Management Consultant?+
Chief Operating Officer roles are growing at 5% YoY while Management Consultant demand is growing at 14% YoY. Management Consultant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Chief Operating Officer to Management Consultant?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Strategy.
Which is harder to automate — Chief Operating Officer or Management Consultant?+
Chief Operating Officer has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.