Chief Technology 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 Technology Officer
Lead technology strategy and oversee all technical operations at the C-suite level.
Business Development Manager
Identify and pursue growth opportunities through partnerships and new markets.
Chief Technology Officer earns more on average — the national median is $140,481/year (99%) higher than a Business Development Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Chief Technology Officer vs Business Development Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Chief Technology Officer | Business Development Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $415,309 | $205,359 | Chief +$209,950 |
| New York, NY | $336,860 | $171,357 | Chief +$165,503 |
| Seattle, WA | $408,302 | $203,990 | Chief +$204,312 |
| Austin, TX | $311,588 | $154,205 | Chief +$157,383 |
| Chicago, IL | $298,064 | $150,219 | Chief +$147,845 |
| Boston, MA | $367,846 | $185,946 | Chief +$181,900 |
| London, UK | £225,366 | £107,326 | Chief +$118,040 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$365,223 | CA$193,355 | Chief +$171,868 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chief Technology Officer or Business Development Manager earn more?+
A Chief Technology Officer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Chief Technology Officer is $282,275/year, compared to $141,794/year for a Business Development Manager — a difference of $140,481 (99%).
Which has better career growth — Chief Technology Officer or Business Development Manager?+
Chief Technology Officer roles are growing at 18% YoY while Business Development Manager demand is growing at 12% YoY. Chief Technology Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Chief Technology 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 Technology Officer or Business Development Manager?+
Chief Technology Officer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 25%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.