How Much Does a Chief People Officer Make? (2025)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chief people officers and other top executive jobs in the US are expected to increase by 4% from 2024 to 2034. This translates to an estimated 331,000 job openings every year for chief people officers.
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for chief people officers in the United States in 2025 is $349,100. This salary guide provides a comprehensive overview of salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations for chief people officers.
What Does a Chief People Officer Do?
Chief People Officers (CPOs) are senior executives responsible for leading an organization's people strategy to support long-term business goals and drive success. They oversee all HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and organizational culture.
Their role includes developing competitive compensation, fostering an inclusive workplace, managing employee relations, and leveraging HR technology to improve efficiency. Strong communication, business acumen, and leadership skills are essential for translating business needs into effective solutions:
- Industries employing chief people officers commonly include:
- Technology and Information Services
- Financial Services
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Manufacturing
Typical qualifications include a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field, often complemented by advanced degrees such as an MBA or master's degree in HR management. Extensive experience in HR leadership, organizational development, and compliance is valued, along with certifications like SHRM-SCP or SPHR.
What is the Chief People Officer Salary Overview?
The average salary for Chief People Officers in the United States in 2025 is $349,100 per year, according to Salary.com. A chief people officer's salary ranges from $288,730 to $410,999 per year. The average salary per month is $29,092.
Chief people officers earn an average of $168 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $153 to $183. Moreover, the average salary for Chief People Officers per week is $6,713, with weekly pay ranging from $6,106 to $7,337.
2025 Chief People Officer Salary: $349,100 ($168 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a chief people officer is $512,300 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $318,581 |
| 25th Percentile | $410,900 |
| 50th Percentile | $512,300 |
| 75th Percentile | $638,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $753,399 |
On the other hand, the average total compensation for chief people officers in the US is $636,297 according to the Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($63,052), and Social Security ($18,347), which makes up 14.1% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $349,100 | 54.9% |
| Bonus | $163,200 | 25.6% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $18,347 | 2.9% |
| 401K/403B | $10,500 | 1.7% |
| Disability | $10,246 | 1.6% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 1.3% |
| Pension | $13,500 | 2.1% |
| Time Off | $63,052 | 9.9% |
| Total Compensation | $636,297 | 100% |
What Can Affect Chief People Officer Salaries?
Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence chief people officer salaries. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:
By Experience Level
Over time, chief people officer salaries are expected to grow in line with work experience. Salary.com data shows that entry-level chief people officers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $328,461.
In contrast, experienced chief people officers working for eight or more years, considered expert-level professionals, can expect to earn an average salary of $348,900.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief People Officer | $328,461 |
| Intermediate Level Chief People Officer | $331,452 |
| Senior Level Chief People Officer | $335,440 |
| Specialist Level Chief People Officer | $341,422 |
| Expert Level Chief People Officer | $348,900 |
By Geographic Location
A chief people officer's average salary in the United States may vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the hot cities in the United States, San Francisco reports the highest chief people officer salary at $435,900, while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $335,400 and $344,700, respectively.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $396,500 | $435,900 | $476,400 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $351,500 | $386,500 | $422,400 |
| Miami, Florida | $305,000 | $335,400 | $366,500 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $328,100 | $360,700 | $394,200 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $354,000 | $389,300 | $425,500 |
| New York, New York | $367,900 | $404,500 | $442,100 |
| Dallas, Texas | $313,500 | $344,700 | $376,700 |
By Skills
Gaining sought-after skills is also an effective way to increase Chief people officer salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand Chief People Officer skills are resource planning and HR policy skills, with 10.50% and 10.40%, respectively.
Meanwhile, essential skills such as talent assessment and resource planning can increase chief people officer salaries by 8.18% and 7.98%, respectively. The table below includes more in-demand skills for chief people officers and their respective influence on salary:
| Skills | Demand (%) | Salary (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Talent Assessment | 10.30% | +8.18% |
| Resource Planning | 10.80% | +7.98% |
| Business Strategy | 10.70% | +7.71% |
| Talent Acquisition | 10.40% | +7.57% |
| HR Compliance | 10.40% | +7.46% |
| Training and Development | 10.60% | +7.40% |
How to Become a Chief People Officer?
Becoming a chief people officer typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field. Practical HR experience and advanced leadership skills play a crucial role in career advancement.
Many chief people officers progress from HR manager or director roles, building expertise in people strategy, organizational development, and stakeholder management. Key areas to focus on for career progression include:
- Gain broad HR experience: Develop expertise across multiple HR domains such as talent acquisition, employee engagement, compliance, and organizational culture. Rotating through various HR functions and cross-functional projects builds versatility and a holistic view of business operations.
- Build leadership and communication skills: CPOs guide teams, mentor future leaders, and effectively communicate people's strategies to both executives and employees. Excellence in change management and interpersonal relationships is essential for driving transformation.
- Pursue certifications and further education: Earning advanced degrees such as an MBA or a master's in HR management, along with certifications like SHRM-SCP or SPHR, can enhance credibility and job prospects in the C-suite.
- Stay current and network: Stay abreast of workforce trends, technology, labor legislation, and best HR practices. Attending conferences, joining HR communities, and engaging in continuous professional development helps expand industry knowledge and foster valuable relationships.
- Gain practical experience with strategic initiatives: Lead HR projects and change management programs that impact organizational growth. Experience in transformation, diversity and inclusion, and employee experience initiatives is highly valued.
- Explore opportunities across industries: CPOs are sought after in sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing. Exposure to different industries broadens business acumen and adaptability.
With a combination of education, experience, strategic leadership, and ongoing learning, chief people officers become key drivers of organizational culture, talent strategy, and business success-opening doors to senior executive roles across industries.
What are the FAQs about Chief People Officer?
Here are some common questions about the chief people officer pay:
What does a chief people officer do?
Chief People Officers (CPOs) are executive leaders responsible for developing and executing comprehensive people strategies that align with organizational goals and foster business success. They oversee all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and organizational culture. Their responsibilities include:
- Leading the design and implementation of HR initiatives that support the company's long-term strategy and workforce needs.
- Cultivating a positive, inclusive workplace culture that promotes employee well-being, engagement, and innovation.
- Overseeing talent management and succession planning to ensure a strong pipeline of leadership and critical roles.
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws and ethical standards through sound HR policies and risk mitigation.
- Collaborating with C-suite executives and key stakeholders to integrate people's strategies with business objectives.
- Leading HR technology adoption to enhance efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and employee experience.
CPOs play a critical role in shaping organizational culture and workforce capabilities, acting as trusted advisors to the CEO and executive team. This position requires a blend of strategic vision, leadership excellence, interpersonal skills, and deep knowledge of HR functions to drive sustainable business growth and a high performing, engaged workforce.
What is the highest salary for a chief people officer?
A chief people officer's salary may vary depending on his education, skills, experience, and geographic location. For instance, a chief people officer based in San Francisco, California, earns an average salary of $435,900. On the other hand, a chief people officer based in Miami, Florida, only earns an average of $335,400.
Are chief people officers in demand?
Yes. BLS reported that chief people officer jobs are forecasted to increase by 4% from 2024 to 2034. This translates to about 331,000 job openings still expected to be produced in the US.
How much does a chief people officer make in the US?
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for Chief People Officers in the US is $349,100 or $168 per hour.
