As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Operating Officer in Montana is $440,935 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $212.
However, a Chief Operating Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Operating 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Operating 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 Operating Officer | $417,737 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Operating Officer | $421,132 |
| Senior Level Chief Operating Officer | $425,658 |
| Specialist Level Chief Operating Officer | $432,448 |
| Expert Level Chief Operating Officer | $440,935 |
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 Operating Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Chief Operating Officer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $493,182. While startup companies pay approximate $417,085.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $417,085 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $441,133 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $476,262 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $493,182 |
For Chief Operating Officer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 130% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 70% above the average. In contrast, Chief Operating Officer positions in Construction or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Operating Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $749,590 | $360.0 | 70% |
| Energy & Utilities | $705,496 | $339.0 | 60% |
| Biotechnology | $661,403 | $318.0 | 50% |
| Internet | $617,309 | $297.0 | 40% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $573,216 | $276.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Chief Operating 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 July 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Operating Officer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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