{"id":34006,"date":"2026-06-24T16:24:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T14:24:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/?p=34006"},"modified":"2026-06-24T16:29:38","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T14:29:38","slug":"chief-of-staff-do-salary-role","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/blog\/chief-of-staff-do-salary-role\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Chief of Staff Do? Salary, role &amp; skills"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"hero-post\" class=\"hero-post\">\n  <picture class=\"hero-post__bg\">\n    <!-- tatamiento horizontal -->\n    <source media=\"(orientation: landscape) and (min-width: 1024px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO2.jpg\">\n    <!-- tatamiento vertical -->\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hero-post__img\" src=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO2.jpg\" alt=\",\" title=\"\">\n    <noscript>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO2.jpg\" alt=\",\" title=\"\">\n    <\/noscript>\n  <\/picture>\n  <div id=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumbs\">\n    <p class=\"container\">\n      <span>\n        <span>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/\" data-gtm-container=\"breadcrumb\" data-gtm-action=\"navigation\">\n            Home          <\/a>\n        <\/span>\n        &gt;\n        <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">\n          <strong>What Does a Chief of Staff Do? Salary, role &amp; skills<\/strong>\n        <\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <h1 class=\"hero-post__title\">\n    What Does a Chief of Staff Do? Salary, role &#038; skills  <\/h1>\n      <div class=\"hero-post__wysiwyg\">\n      A Chief of Staff is a senior role meant to provide support to top leadership by helping keep priorities straight, aligning teams, and guiding decision-making. It\u2019s a position that\u2019s at the center of how an organization carries out its strategy.    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll look at what the role involves, expected salary, and the skills needed to succeed. If you\u2019re looking to build a path into positions like this, programs like the <a href=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/academics\/master-degree\/international-mba\/\">International Master\u2019s Degree in Business Administration<\/a> can provide a strong foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Chief of Staff?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While most of us have heard the term, not everyone knows just <strong>what a Chief of Staff is<\/strong>, and part of the reason is that it\u2019s 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\u2019re involved in project coordination, structured decision-making, problem-solving, and making sure priorities stay on track and plans are executed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What does a Chief of Staff do<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chief of Staff in government vs. corporate settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The overall task of a Chief of Staff remains the same no matter where they\u2019re working: support leadership and keep things moving. But in government, things are much more defined and structured. The <strong>Chief of Staff in the White House<\/strong> manages the president&#8217;s schedule and works closely with different agencies. It\u2019s a huge system, and the CoS helps keep things connected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the corporate world, there\u2019s much more variety. It\u2019s the size of the company and the preferences of its top executives that usually determine how the CoS fits into the scheme of things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the role of a Chief of Staff?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the Chief of Staff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like a Chief of Staff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a Chief of Staff make in the United States?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering <strong>how much does a Chief of Staff make<\/strong>, you\u2019ll be happy to know there\u2019s an upward trend in <strong>how much a Chief of Staff makes<\/strong>. The Chief of Staff Network reported in November of 2025 that the average base salary had gone up to $167,954. That\u2019s an 8.5% increase compared to the year before. What\u2019s more, one in four Chiefs of Staff were making over $200K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/newsletter.chiefofstaff.network\/p\/cos-digest-2025-chief-of-staff-salary-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chief of Staff Network<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following variables all play a role in a <strong>chief of staff\u2019s salary<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Seniority: <\/strong>Executive-level Chiefs of Staff make an average of $100K more per year than entry-level professionals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experience: <\/strong>Chiefs of Staff with 20+ years of experience are averaging annual earnings of $260K.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>Major cities like New York and San Francisco offer the highest pay. CoSs in smaller markets and regions tend to earn less.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI Maturity:<\/strong> Chiefs of Staff who prioritize AI earn about 16% more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO-1024x461.jpg\" alt=\",\" class=\"wp-image-33979\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO-1536x691.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CFO.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a Chief of Staff do? Key responsibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As McKinsey &amp; Company states, \u201cthe role\u2019s raison d\u2019\u00eatre is always to enable the principal\u2014typically a CEO but increasingly other C-suite members\u2014to execute their mission.\u201d<br>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/strategy-and-corporate-finance\/our-insights\/seeing-around-corners-how-to-excel-as-a-chief-of-staff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seeing around corners: How to excel as a chief of staff.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The responsibilities required for this role reflect the wide scope outlined in a typical <strong>chief of staff\u2019s position description<\/strong>. A CoS has to navigate complex situations, work across teams, and support leadership in a practical way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Executive leadership and CEO support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s time, always keeping in mind what matters most and making sure priorities stay at the forefront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operations management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chief of Staffs tend to play a key role in improving <strong>operations management<\/strong>, which means identifying inefficiency, streamlining processes, and implementing new systems to boost team productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Team coordination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a Chief of Staff requires <strong>team leadership<\/strong> 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\u2019s the Chief of Staff\u2019s job to step in and take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Information flow optimization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic alignment and execution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relationship building<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Building trust is paramount, as Chiefs of Staff have to support leadership and coordinate between teams to make sure things run smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What skills are needed to become a Chief of Staff?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To be an effective CoS, you need a mix of practical and strategic skills, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leadership skills<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication skills<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structured decision-making<\/strong> abilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organizational skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem-solving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adaptability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to become a Chief of Staff?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no single path to becoming a CoS; most professionals build up relevant experience over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Educational background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s best to start with a degree in business, management, or related fields before going on to graduate studies to further develop your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Professional experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many chiefs of staff have prior experience in project management, consulting, or operations. Experience working closely with leadership is also helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional certifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Certifications can further strengthen your profile and provide you with practical tools for the CoS role. Here are some of the most reputable certifications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Project management (PMP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certified Executive Coach (CEC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lean Six Sigma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic Planning Professional (SPP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change Management Certification (CCMP)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in moving into a role like this, building a strong foundation in strategy and leadership is key. Programs like the International Master\u2019s Degree in Business Administration can help you develop the skills you need to grow into a Chief of Staff position over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bensley, E., Goodman, A., Johnson, P., C. (2023, October 31). <em>Seeing around corners: How to excel as a chief of staff.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/strategy-and-corporate-finance\/our-insights\/seeing-around-corners-how-to-excel-as-a-chief-of-staff<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Chief of Staff Network. (2025). <em>CoS digest 2025: Chief of staff salary report.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">https:\/\/newsletter.chiefofstaff.network\/p\/cos-digest-2025-chief-of-staff-salary-report<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Payscale. (2026). <em>Chief of staff salary.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Chief_of_Staff\/Salary<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>TealHQ. (n.d.). <em>Chief of staff certifications.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">https:\/\/www.tealhq.com\/career-paths\/chief-of-staff-certifications\/#:~:text=Table_title:%20Certification%20Comparison%20Table%20Table_content:%20header:%20%7C,Planning%20%7C%20Best%20For:%20Strategy%2Dheavy%20positions%20%7C<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, we\u2019ll look at what the role involves, expected salary, and the skills needed to succeed. If you\u2019re [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":33985,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_programas_asociados":[],"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34006","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34006"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34006"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34006\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34012,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34006\/revisions\/34012"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34006"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34006"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miuniversity.edu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}