CMO Salary in the United States

How much does a CMO make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a CMO in the United States is $373,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $180.

However, a CMO's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $456,422
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $334,900 to $417,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $299,575
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View as table View as graph 25% $334,900 10% $299,575 90% $456,422 75% $417,000 $373,700 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

CMO Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $417,000 $34,750 $8,019 $200
Average $373,700 $31,142 $7,187 $180
25th Percentile $334,900 $27,908 $6,440 $161
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Key Factors That Influence CMO Salaries

A CMO'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.

How Experience Level Affects CMO Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CMO'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:

  • Marketing Operations Senior Manager (5+ years): $158,364
  • Marketing Operations Director (5+ years): $194,776
  • VP of Marketing Operations (5+ years): $245,817
  • Senior Vice President of Marketing (5+ years): $307,104
  • CMO (5+ years): $373,609
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Marketing Operations Senior Manager5+ years$158,364
Marketing Operations Director5+ years$194,776
VP of Marketing Operations5+ years$245,817
Senior Vice President of Marketing5+ years$307,104
CMO5+ years$373,609
$158,364 Marketing...
$194,776 Marketing...
$245,817 VP of Mar...
$307,104 Senior Vi...
$373,609 CMO
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for CMOs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $471,300
  • San Francisco: $466,700
  • Oakland: $456,300

CMO Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CMO'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, 2026

Salary Trends for CMO

Salaries for a CMO can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $284,129 in 2023 to around $274,779 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CMO salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of CMO Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$284,129
2024
$280,634
2025
$274,779
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $284,129
2024 $280,634
2025 $274,779
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for CMO

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401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for CMO

Here are companies hiring for CMO and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about CMO

1. Is a VP higher than a CMO?

The marketing team structure varies by business size, but the CMO is typically the highest-ranking marketing executive, with a salary range of $322,300 to $443,100. The VP usually ranks below the CMO, followed by the Marketing Director. The CMO reports directly to the CEO or COO, emphasizing their seniority within the organization.

2. Is CMO a hard job?

The CMO role can be quite challenging due to its demands for in-depth analysis and strategic thinking. With a salary range from $322,300 to $443,100, the position requires a high level of expertise in understanding market dynamics and audience behavior. This complexity, combined with the responsibility for driving growth, contributes to the stress associated with the job.

3. Who is the richest CMO?

The salary data for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) indicates a minimum salary of $322,300, a mid-range salary of $371,700, and a maximum salary of $443,100. While the highest paid CMOs, like Lori Lee from AT&T, earn significantly more, the typical CMO compensation falls within this range, reflecting the diverse pay scales in the industry.

4. Is CMO a high position?

The CMO is indeed a high position, being the top role in marketing responsible for overall strategy and business growth. Given the extensive experience required, CMOs typically earn substantial salaries, with figures ranging from $322,300 to $443,100 annually, reflecting their critical role in driving organizational success.

5. Do CMOS make a lot of money?

CMOs (Chief Marketing Officers) can earn significant salaries, with a minimum of $322,300, a mid-range salary of $371,700, and a maximum of $443,100. This reflects the high demand and responsibility associated with the role, making it a lucrative position in the marketing field.

6. How much does USA Chief of Surgery earn?

How much does a Chief of Surgery make? As of January 7, 2025, the average annual salary for a Chief of Surgery in the United States ranges from $322,300 to $443,100, with a mid-salary of $371,700. This translates to approximately $154.00 to $213.00 per hour, or $13,525 to $36,925 monthly.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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