BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$502,942/yr
Typical range: $454,820 – $562,675
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Operating Officer salary by experience level in Boston
Chief Operating Officer Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $233,509 | $19,459 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $294,580 | $24,548 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $337,689 | $28,141 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $387,984 | $32,332 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $502,942 | $41,912 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $603,530 | $50,294 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $628,677 | $52,390 | +169% |
Current Salary
$502,942
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $242/hr
Next Level Target
$603,530
Principal · 14
+$101Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief Operating Officer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officers in Boston, MA earn approximately $503K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief Operating Officer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $503K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $242/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Operating Officer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Operating Officer in Boston, MA earns $455K–$563K/yr.