2025 COSC SALARY SURVEY
2025 COSC SALARY SURVEY
The Chief of Staff Collective, a global community of over 700 Chiefs of Staff in entrepreneurial businesses, has released its third annual salary survey. Building on data collected in late 2022 and January 2024, this latest survey amongst our members reveals key compensation trends for Chiefs of Staff. Consistent with past findings, the survey reinforces the observation that Chief of Staff compensation varies considerably based on seniority, company stage and size, and location. Data suggests that inflation and the increasing prevalence of the Chief of Staff role are contributing to rising salary levels.
Base Salary
Our Chiefs of Staff are mostly in the UK, US, Germany and other wealthy nations. They currently earn an average salary of £108k per year, a 6% increase from the 2024 survey (£102k) and nearly 30% higher than the average reported in the initial 2022 survey. While the most common salary range was over £125k, more than half of respondents earned between £50-100k (see Figure 1). Chiefs of Staff at later-stage companies (PE, public) reported the highest average annual salary (£121k), while those at early-stage (seed) companies reported the lowest.
BONUSES
Unlike previous surveys, a majority (56%) now receive an annual bonus, up from 45% in 2024 and just 27% in 2022 (see Figure 2). These bonuses are primarily awarded to mid-level Chiefs of Staff (Head of Ops/Chief of Staff, 46%) and senior Chiefs of Staff (VP/C-level, 43%). In terms of company stage and funding level., most Chiefs of Staff that receive a bonus work in later-stage companies such as PE or public (57%). The average bonus paid out is reported to be 19% of the annual base salary, slightly lower than the average reported in our 2024 survey (22%).
EQUITY STAKES
Equity remains a common component in terms of compensation for Chiefs of Staff, with 54% holding equity stakes (similar to 2024), typically ranging from 0.3% to 1.2%. The set-up comes in various forms such as stock options, growth shares, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), VSOPs, and non-EMI.
ABOUT Our members
The Chief of Staff Collective is a global community connecting Chiefs of Staff in entrepreneurial businesses. We provide a platform for members to share knowledge, insights, discuss challenges, and explore career opportunities. Our membership primarily comprises mid-level and senior Chiefs of Staff, most of whom work in later-stage companies. Geographically, the majority of our members are based in the UK, followed by the US , with additional representation from Germany, France, Canada, Australia, and other countries. London is the most represented city within our membership, followed by Berlin, New York, and San Francisco.
ABOUT THIS SURVEY
The 2025 CoSC Salary Survey was carried out from 7 January to 28 January 2025. The survey was conducted online anonymously and had a 9% response rate (63 members).
Launched in 2022 in response to our members' demand for greater salary transparency, the survey is conducted at least every second year to provide updated compensation data for Chiefs of Staff.
If you are a Chief of Staff but not yet a part of CoSC, please join for more insights and to connect with other CoS!
