As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a CAO in the United States is $400,000. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $347,100 to $437,300, with most professionals earning between $298,937 and $471,260.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $437,300 | $36,442 | $8,410 | $210 |
| Average | $400,000 | $33,333 | $7,692 | $192 |
| 25th Percentile | $347,100 | $28,925 | $6,675 | $167 |
An entry-level CAO with less than 1 year of experience earns about $378,682. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $382,630. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $386,578. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $390,525, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $394,473.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CAO | $378,682 |
| Intermediate Level CAO | $382,630 |
| Senior Level CAO | $386,578 |
| Specialist Level CAO | $390,525 |
| Expert Level CAO | $394,473 |
| Entry Level | 5% |
| Mid Level | 4% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 2% |
| Experienced | 1% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in CAO compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $324,354 in 2023 to approximately $311,833 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of CAO salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of CAO information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see CAO job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for CAO and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $400,000 | 79.6% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $16,253 | 3.2% | ||
| 401K/403B | $12,250 | 2.4% | ||
| Disability | $6,400 | 1.3% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 1.3% | ||
| Pension | $10,500 | 2.1% | ||
| Time Off | $50,769 | 10.1% | ||
| Total Compensation | $502,543 | 100% | ||
A chief administration officer (CAO) typically earns between $365,700 and $537,300, with a mid-salary of $423,200. In contrast, a chief operating officer (COO) often has a higher salary range. While both roles are crucial, the CAO focuses on administrative tasks, whereas the COO implements the company's strategic vision.
While 81% of Chief Diversity Officers are white, it's essential to recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion involve everyone. White individuals can and should play a vital role in this space. The salary range for Chief Diversity Officers typically falls between $365,700 and $537,300, reflecting the importance of their contributions to fostering inclusive environments.
A competitive salary for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in the USA ranges from $365,700 to $537,300 annually, with a mid-salary of $423,200. This translates to approximately $175.00 to $258.00 per hour, or $7,642 to $11,202 per week, and $33,333 to $48,333 per month, reflecting the high level of responsibility and expertise required for the role.
The salary of a CRC in the US varies significantly. Based on the CAO data, the minimum salary is $365,700, the mid-range salary is $423,200, and the maximum salary can reach $537,300. This indicates that CRC positions offer competitive compensation compared to the average CRC salary of around $56,615.
To become a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), gain experience in human resources, organizational development, or diversity and inclusion. Roles such as diversity program manager or HR manager can provide valuable skills. The salary range for a CDO typically falls between $365,700 and $537,300, with a mid-salary of $423,200, reflecting the importance of this role in organizations.
The estimated total pay for a Head of Accounting in the US ranges from $365,700 to $537,300 per year, with a mid-salary of $423,200. This reflects the competitive nature of the role and the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the field.
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.
