As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Chief Academic Officer in the United States is $208,542 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $100.
However, a Chief Academic Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Academic Officer'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 Academic Officer'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 Academic Officer | $195,898 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Academic Officer | $197,714 |
| Senior Level Chief Academic Officer | $200,740 |
| Specialist Level Chief Academic Officer | $203,766 |
| Expert Level Chief Academic Officer | $209,902 |
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 Academic Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief Academic Officers enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Academic Officer with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $197,084 and $228,798.
Chief Academic Officer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| Bachelors | 9.3% |
| Masters | 25.6% |
| Doctorate | 65.1% |
Understanding how a Chief Academic Officer'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 November 01, 2025Salaries for a Chief Academic Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $155,779 in 2023 to around $152,591 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Academic Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $155,779 |
| 2024 | $154,841 |
| 2025 | $152,591 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $208,542 | 61.7% |
| Bonus | $49,515 | 14.6% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $14,195 | 4.2% |
| 401K/403B | $12,250 | 3.6% |
| Disability | $4,129 | 1.2% |
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 1.9% |
| Pension | $10,500 | 3.1% |
| Time Off | $32,753 | 9.7% |
| Total Compensation | $338,255 | 100% |
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A Chief Academic Officer'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 Academic Officer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief Academic Officer is $263,034.
The highest pay for Chief Academic Officer is $313,282.
The lowest pay for Chief Academic Officer is $167,991.
Responsible for shaping and implementing the institution's academic vision and priorities. Develops, directs, and oversees the academic program of a university/college. Leads policy development in student learning, academic programs, teaching, research, and related student success areas. Requires an advanced degree. Typically reports to college president. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive 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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