Chief AI Officer Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$310,000
national median salary
$230,000 to $400,000. Last updated August 2026.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $213,990 for Chief Executives (SOC 11-1011) across the United States, based on 204,350 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$75,700
25th percentile
$129,540
Median
$213,990
75th percentile
$356,200
90th percentile
$507,730
Workers surveyed
204,350
What BLS published in each release
May 2024 release
$206,420
May 2025 release
$213,990
These are two separate published estimates, not a time series. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not encourage the use of OEWS data for time-series analysis. Differences between releases reflect changes in occupational classification, survey methodology, and the three-year pooled sample as well as any change in pay, so the two figures should not be read as a rate of wage growth.
Why this differs from the estimate above. The Orbyt estimate of $310,000 is 45% higher than this published figure. That is usually not an error in either number: BLS reports by occupation code, and Chief Executives covers a different population than the Chief AI Officer title as it is typically advertised. Both are shown, unreconciled, so you can judge which one describes the job you mean.
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Chief Executives (SOC 11-1011) rather than Chief AI Officerspecifically. The national range at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 11-1011Highest Paying
$419,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$323,000
Omaha, NE
Lowest Paying
$245,000
Jackson, MS
The salary figures on this page are computed estimates, not observed wages. Each one is a national role baseline scaled by a Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity cost-of-living multiplier (2025 index) and rounded to the nearest $1,000. No published wage percentile is consulted and no wage survey response enters the calculation, so an Orbyt estimate must not be cited as a Bureau of Labor Statistics figure or as measured pay. The published wage data Orbyt holds is Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Department of Labor H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, which record a filed minimum visa base wage rather than market pay. Where BLS publishes a wage for the occupation a role maps to, it is shown on that role's page as a separate benchmark, labelled with its occupation code, metro area and the number of employed workers it covers. Last updated August 2026. This role maps to BLS occupation code 11-1011. Full methodology.
Orbyt estimates the average Chief AI Officer salary in the United States at $310,000 in 2026, within a range of $230,000 to $400,000. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page. San Francisco is the highest of the 81 cities at $419,000, while Omaha offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Executive vision for enterprise AI strategy, proven ability to scale AI teams, and track record of delivering AI products that drive revenue determine top compensation.
Chief AI Officer salary by city.
Skills that increase Chief AI Officer pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Chief AI Officers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $43,400 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$43,400 per year
≈ +$40,300 per year
≈ +$37,200 per year
≈ +$34,100 per year
≈ +$34,100 per year
≈ +$31,000 per year
≈ +$31,000 per year
≈ +$27,900 per year
What you should know.
Executive vision for enterprise AI strategy, proven ability to scale AI teams, and track record of delivering AI products that drive revenue determine top compensation. Officers who navigate regulatory landscapes, manage AI risk, and align AI investments with board level business objectives earn the most. Industry expertise in sectors with high AI impact adds premiums.
VP of AI roles start at $220,000 to $280,000. Early stage chief AI officers earn $280,000 to $350,000. Established officers at mid market companies reach $350,000 to $420,000. Chief AI officers at Fortune 500 companies can exceed $700,000 in total compensation with equity and bonuses.
Equity packages can represent 40 to 70% of total compensation at technology companies. Performance bonuses of 30 to 50% tied to strategic milestones are standard. Signing bonuses of $75,000 to $200,000 are common. Benefits include board advisory roles and executive development programs.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Chief AI Officers typically earn $295,000 (5% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Chief AI Officer pay.
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