What Does a Chief of Staff Do? Salary, role & skills
In this article, we’ll look at what the role involves, expected salary, and the skills needed to succeed. If you’re looking to build a path into positions like this, programs like the International Master’s Degree in Business Administration can provide a strong foundation.
What is a Chief of Staff?
While most of us have heard the term, not everyone knows just what a Chief of Staff is, and part of the reason is that it’s a role that varies depending on the organization. Generally speaking, a Chief of Staff (CoS) acts as a liaison between executive leadership and the rest of the organization. But their responsibilities go beyond communication skills; they’re involved in project coordination, structured decision-making, problem-solving, and making sure priorities stay on track and plans are executed.
What does a Chief of Staff do on a typical day? They might attend key meetings, track the progress of important projects, follow up with teams, manage and filter communications, and step in when priorities are starting to slip.
Chief of Staff in government vs. corporate settings
The overall task of a Chief of Staff remains the same no matter where they’re working: support leadership and keep things moving. But in government, things are much more defined and structured. The Chief of Staff in the White House manages the president’s schedule and works closely with different agencies. It’s a huge system, and the CoS helps keep things connected.
In the corporate world, there’s much more variety. It’s the size of the company and the preferences of its top executives that usually determine how the CoS fits into the scheme of things.
What is the role of a Chief of Staff?
It’s the Chief of Staff’s job to keep things running smoothly, which means keeping priorities clear and making sure teams stay aligned and keep initiatives moving forward. A CoS plays a big part in improving decision-making processes and streamlining operations.
Just like a Chief of Staff’s role varies, so do their earnings. Entry-level CoSs can make about $90,000 a year, and that number can go up to $150,000 to $200,000 or more for more experienced professionals. And, of course, company size and how involved you are in executive decision-making are also determining factors.
How much does a Chief of Staff make in the United States?
If you’re wondering how much does a Chief of Staff make, you’ll be happy to know there’s an upward trend in how much a Chief of Staff makes. The Chief of Staff Network reported in November of 2025 that the average base salary had gone up to $167,954. That’s an 8.5% increase compared to the year before. What’s more, one in four Chiefs of Staff were making over $200K.
Source: Chief of Staff Network
The following variables all play a role in a chief of staff’s salary:
- Seniority: Executive-level Chiefs of Staff make an average of $100K more per year than entry-level professionals.
- Experience: Chiefs of Staff with 20+ years of experience are averaging annual earnings of $260K.
- Location: Major cities like New York and San Francisco offer the highest pay. CoSs in smaller markets and regions tend to earn less.
- AI Maturity: Chiefs of Staff who prioritize AI earn about 16% more.
As for gender, the upward trend in CoS salaries applies to men and women alike. The pay gap has narrowed, and women hold a strong share of senior positions.
What does a Chief of Staff do? Key responsibilities
As McKinsey & Company states, “the role’s raison d’être is always to enable the principal—typically a CEO but increasingly other C-suite members—to execute their mission.”
Source: Seeing around corners: How to excel as a chief of staff.
The responsibilities required for this role reflect the wide scope outlined in a typical chief of staff’s position description. A CoS has to navigate complex situations, work across teams, and support leadership in a practical way.
Executive leadership and CEO support
One of the top responsibilities is direct support to the executive, which can include preparing for meetings, helping prioritize decisions, and ensuring effective use of the leader’s time, always keeping in mind what matters most and making sure priorities stay at the forefront.
Operations management
Chief of Staffs tend to play a key role in improving operations management, which means identifying inefficiency, streamlining processes, and implementing new systems to boost team productivity.
Team coordination
Being a Chief of Staff requires team leadership to keep numerous teams on the same page so they work toward the same goal in a synchronized way. When problems arise or priorities get lost, it’s the Chief of Staff’s job to step in and take action.
Information flow optimization
A CoS ensures the right information gets to the right people at the right time. That could mean summarizing long reports, highlighting the important points so communication is clear and concise, and deciding who actually needs to see what.
Strategic alignment and execution
A good CoS has a clear understanding of strategy and what needs to be done to make sure the organization stays on track and that plans are effectively carried out.
Relationship building
Building trust is paramount, as Chiefs of Staff have to support leadership and coordinate between teams to make sure things run smoothly.
What skills are needed to become a Chief of Staff?
To be an effective CoS, you need a mix of practical and strategic skills, including the following:
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Structured decision-making abilities
- Strategic thinking
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
How to become a Chief of Staff?
There’s no single path to becoming a CoS; most professionals build up relevant experience over time.
Educational background
It’s best to start with a degree in business, management, or related fields before going on to graduate studies to further develop your skills.
Professional experience
Many chiefs of staff have prior experience in project management, consulting, or operations. Experience working closely with leadership is also helpful.
Additional certifications
Certifications can further strengthen your profile and provide you with practical tools for the CoS role. Here are some of the most reputable certifications:
- Project management (PMP)
- Certified Executive Coach (CEC)
- Lean Six Sigma
- Strategic Planning Professional (SPP)
- Change Management Certification (CCMP)
If you’re interested in moving into a role like this, building a strong foundation in strategy and leadership is key. Programs like the International Master’s Degree in Business Administration can help you develop the skills you need to grow into a Chief of Staff position over time.
References
Bensley, E., Goodman, A., Johnson, P., C. (2023, October 31). Seeing around corners: How to excel as a chief of staff.
Chief of Staff Network. (2025). CoS digest 2025: Chief of staff salary report.
Payscale. (2026). Chief of staff salary.
TealHQ. (n.d.). Chief of staff certifications.
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