As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a COS in Hawaii is $239,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $115.
However, a COS's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A COS'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 COS'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 COS | $218,280 |
| Intermediate Level COS | $221,332 |
| Senior Level COS | $223,875 |
| Specialist Level COS | $227,943 |
| Expert Level COS | $233,029 |
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 COS. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
COS salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $267,420. While startup companies pay approximate $226,158.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $226,158 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $239,197 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $258,245 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $267,420 |
For COS roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, COS positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view COS as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $298,862 | $144.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $286,908 | $138.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $286,908 | $138.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $286,908 | $138.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $274,954 | $132.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a COS'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a COS, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman of the Board & CEO | $980,300 | 310% |
| CEO | $853,000 | 257% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current COS job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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