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The differences between chief program officers and chief operating officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a chief program officer, becoming a chief operating officer takes usually requires More than 10 years. Additionally, a chief operating officer has an average salary of $136,604, which is higher than the $108,110 average annual salary of a chief program officer.
The top three skills for a chief program officer include human resources, oversight and project management. The most important skills for a chief operating officer are healthcare, customer service, and oversight.
| Chief Program Officer | Chief Operating Officer | |
| Yearly salary | $108,110 | $136,604 |
| Hourly rate | $51.98 | $65.67 |
| Growth rate | 28% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 150,634 | 128,993 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 47 | 52 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
The chief program officer (CPO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and supervising a non-profit organization's programming, such as creating an outreach program or job training courses for the homeless. They seek advice from the CEO and other executive managers at the organization on how to enhance the existing programming and services and coordinate new programs. Other duties and responsibilities include managing program implementation and funding, as well as giving guidance to program coordinators, staff, and volunteers. Additionally, they seek feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of programs.
A chief operating officer, also known as a COO, is a high-ranking official who oversees a company or organization's daily administrative and overall operations. They are typically the second in the chain of command, reporting directly to the company's chief executive officer, also known as a CEO. Among their duties include developing strategies and guidelines, reviewing reports, performing assessments, and implementing the company's policies, standards, and regulations. Additionally, they lead and empower staff to reach goals, helping solve issues and concerns when any arise.
Chief program officers and chief operating officers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Chief Program Officer | Chief Operating Officer | |
| Average salary | $108,110 | $136,604 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $171,000 | Between $81,000 And $229,000 |
| Highest paying City | Albany, NY | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | McKinsey & Company Inc | Baker McKenzie |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a chief program officer and a chief operating officer in terms of educational background:
| Chief Program Officer | Chief Operating Officer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between chief program officers' and chief operating officers' demographics:
| Chief Program Officer | Chief Operating Officer | |
| Average age | 47 | 52 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.2% Female, 36.8% | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 7.5% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |