BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$504,099/yr
Typical range: $455,867 – $563,970
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Operating Officer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Chief Operating Officer Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $234,046 | $19,504 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $295,258 | $24,605 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $338,467 | $28,206 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $388,877 | $32,406 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $504,099 | $42,008 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $604,919 | $50,410 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $630,124 | $52,510 | +169% |
Current Salary
$504,099
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $242/hr
Next Level Target
$604,919
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Chief Operating Officers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $504K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $504K 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 Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Operating Officer in Washington DC, DC earns $456K–$564K/yr.