Chief Operating Officer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$255,000
national median salary
$190,000 to $340,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$352,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$266,000
Jackson, MS
Lowest Paying
$201,000
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 Chief Operating Officer salary in the United States is $255,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $190,000 at the 25th percentile to $340,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $352,000, while Jackson offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Operational complexity, number of direct reports, and company revenue are the strongest predictors.
Chief Operating Officer salary by city
Skills that increase Chief Operating Officer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Chief Operating Officers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $35,700 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$35,700 per year
≈ +$33,150 per year
≈ +$30,600 per year
≈ +$28,050 per year
≈ +$28,050 per year
≈ +$25,500 per year
≈ +$25,500 per year
≈ +$22,950 per year
What you should know
Operational complexity, number of direct reports, and company revenue are the strongest predictors. COOs overseeing manufacturing, supply chain, and global operations earn more than those in services or tech. The COO role varies widely in scope, and those serving as clear CEO successors command premium compensation.
Senior VPs of operations earn $170,000 to $220,000 before the COO step. First-time COOs at mid-market companies start at $200,000 to $270,000. COOs at large enterprises with global operations earn $300,000 to $400,000 in base, with total comp reaching $700,000 to $2 million.
Annual bonuses of 30 to 60% of base tied to operational metrics like margin improvement and efficiency gains are standard. Equity packages at growth companies add $100,000 to $500,000 in annualized value. Retention bonuses are common for succession-track COOs.