As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CAO in the United States is $433,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $208.
However, a CAO's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CAO'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CAO'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Program Administrator | 2-4 years | $54,446 |
| GME Director | 4+ years | $132,396 |
| Top GME and DIO Executive | 4+ years | $269,295 |
| CAO | 4+ years | $433,346 |
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 CAOs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 13.33% |
| Employee Engagement | 3.33% |
| Integrated Care | 3.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Capture
|
$537,416 |
24%
|
|
Patient Satisfaction
|
$494,076 |
14%
|
|
Communicates Effectively
|
$485,408 |
12%
|
|
Patient Safety
|
$476,740 |
10%
|
|
Initiative
|
$455,070 |
5%
|
|
Planning
|
$446,402 |
3%
|
CAO salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $459,716. While startup companies pay approximate $391,744.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $391,744 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $413,538 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $444,684 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $459,716 |
For CAO roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, CAO positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view CAO as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $520,080 | $250.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a CAO'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a CAO can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $324,354 in 2023 to around $295,641 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CAO salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $324,354 |
| 2024 | $311,833 |
| 2025 | $295,641 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for CAO roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.
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