Chief Financial Officer Salary in 2026
Chief financial officers oversee all financial activities of an organization, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management. They provide strategic financial leadership to the executive team.
Median Salary
$205,000
$17,083/mo
Entry Level
$141,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$297,000
experienced
Job Growth
+5%
10-yr outlook
Chief Financial Officer Overview
Chief financial officers oversee all financial activities of an organization, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management. They provide strategic financial leadership to the executive team.
Education
MBA / CPA
Experience
10-15 years
Industry
Management
Total Jobs (US)
140K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Management
Hourly Rate
$98.56/hr
Monthly Pay
$17,083
Chief Financial Officer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Chief Financial Officer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Chief Financial Officer Salary
$244,000
$20,333/month · $9,385/biweekly · $117.31/hr
Chief Financial Officer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Chief Financial Officer field.
Entry-level Chief Financial Officers earn around $141,000, while the top 10% earn $377,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Chief Financial Officers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $242,000 | +$37,000 |
| New York | $236,000 | +$31,000 |
| Massachusetts | $230,000 | +$25,000 |
| Illinois | $213,000 | +$8,000 |
| Texas | $201,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Chief Financial Officers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $256,000 | +$51,000 |
| New York | $242,000 | +$37,000 |
| Boston | $230,000 | +$25,000 |
| Chicago | $215,000 | +$10,000 |
| Dallas | $205,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Chief Financial Officer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Chief Financial Officer from entry level to expert.
$141,000
0-2 years
$219,000
3-7 years
$297,000
8-14 years
$458,000
15+ years
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Chief Financial Officer Salary FAQ
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