As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief of Staff in the United States is $228,681 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $110.
However, a Chief of Staff's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief of Staff's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief of Staff's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief of Staff | $208,775 |
| Intermediate Level Chief of Staff | $211,688 |
| Senior Level Chief of Staff | $214,115 |
| Specialist Level Chief of Staff | $218,000 |
| Expert Level Chief of Staff | $222,855 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief of Stafves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 13.52% |
| Business Operations | 1.07% |
| Client Service | 1.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
VMware
|
$299,572 |
31%
|
|
Cadence
|
$251,549 |
10%
|
|
Client Service
|
$251,549 |
10%
|
|
Consulting Management
|
$249,262 |
9%
|
|
Business Acumen
|
$249,262 |
9%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$246,975 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief of Stafves enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Chief of Staff with a Bachelor's Degree is between $252,098 and $283,212).
Chief of Staff Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 4.7% |
| Bachelors | 40.1% |
| Masters | 40.5% |
| Doctorate | 6.5% |
Understanding how a Chief of Staff's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Chief of Staff, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Chair and CEO | $936,089 | 309% |
| Chief Executive Officer | $814,607 | 256% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Chief of Staff and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief of Staff job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Chief of Staff's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chief of Staff earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief of Staff is $288,435.
The highest pay for Chief of Staff is $283,851.
The lowest pay for Chief of Staff is $166,534.
Plans and directs all administrative, financial, and operational activities for the organization's President, CEO, or other executive. Organizes and prioritizes critical issues and required information for the executive to facilitate efficient decision making. Acts as a point of contact or gatekeeper between top management and other stakeholders. Provides oversight and guidance to projects of high importance. May act as an advisor to the chief executive. May be responsible for the management of executive support staff. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes/implements overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. Typically requires 10+ years of progressive leadership experience. Has extensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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