CFO Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$260,000
national median salary
$195,000 to $345,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$358,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$271,000
Tampa, FL
Lowest Paying
$207,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average CFO salary in the United States is $260,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $195,000 at the 25th percentile to $345,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $358,000, while Tampa offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Company size measured by revenue and market capitalization drives the widest pay variation among CFOs.
CFO salary by city
Skills that increase CFO pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for CFOs based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $36,400 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$36,400 per year
≈ +$33,800 per year
≈ +$31,200 per year
≈ +$28,600 per year
≈ +$28,600 per year
≈ +$26,000 per year
≈ +$26,000 per year
≈ +$23,400 per year
What you should know
Company size measured by revenue and market capitalization drives the widest pay variation among CFOs. Fortune 500 CFOs earn three to five times more than mid-market counterparts. Industry also matters, with technology, financial services, and pharmaceutical CFOs commanding the highest packages. IPO and M&A transaction experience adds further premium.
VP of Finance roles pay $180,000 to $260,000 in base salary. CFOs at small companies ($10 million to $50 million revenue) earn $175,000 to $250,000. Mid-market CFOs ($50 million to $500 million) earn $250,000 to $400,000. Enterprise CFOs at $1 billion or more revenue companies command $400,000 to $800,000 base.
CFO total compensation far exceeds base salary. Annual bonuses of 40 to 75% of base, equity grants worth $200,000 to $2 million or more at public companies, and long-term incentive plans are standard. Total compensation at large companies commonly reaches $800,000 to $5 million.