BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$513,645/yr
Typical range: $464,499 – $574,649
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Operating Officer salary by experience level in Seattle
Chief Operating Officer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $238,478 | $19,873 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $300,849 | $25,071 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $344,876 | $28,740 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $396,240 | $33,020 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $513,645 | $42,804 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $616,374 | $51,365 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $642,056 | $53,505 | +169% |
Current Salary
$513,645
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $247/hr
Next Level Target
$616,374
Principal · 14
+$103Kpotential 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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $514K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $514K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $247/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Operating Officer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Operating Officer in Seattle, WA earns $464K–$575K/yr.