How much does a CFO make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a CFO in the United States is $397,900. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $357,000 to $451,800, with most professionals earning between $319,763 and $500,873.

CFO Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $451,800 $37,650 $8,688 $217
Average $397,900 $33,158 $7,652 $191
25th Percentile $357,000 $29,750 $6,865 $172

Average Salary

25% $357,000 10% $319,763 90% $500,873 75% $451,800 $397,900 50%(Median)
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How much does a CFO make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified CFO salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a CFO is about $397,900 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $191, a monthly salary of about $33,158, and a weekly pay of around $7,652 . Click the switch button below to see more details about CFO hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a CFO's Salary?

An entry-level CFO with less than 1 year of experience earns about $372,872. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $376,534. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $381,418. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $388,743, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $397,900.

Levels Salary
Entry Level CFO $372,872
Intermediate Level CFO $376,534
Senior Level CFO $381,418
Specialist Level CFO $388,743
Expert Level CFO $397,900
$372,872 0 yr
$376,534 < 2 yrs
$381,418 2-4 yrs
$388,743 5-8 yrs
$397,900 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 6%
Mid Level 5%
Senior Level 4%
Top Level 2%
Experienced 0%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of CFO vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a CFO is $497,000.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $461,200.
  • In Boston, MA, a CFO earns $443,800 per year.

What is the salary trend of CFO?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in CFO compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $275,432 in 2023 to approximately $273,356 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of CFO salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of CFO Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$275,432
2023
$273,356
2024
$268,706
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$275,432
2024
$273,356
2025
$268,706
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

CFO Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $275,432
2024 $273,356
2025 $268,706
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of CFO

Salary.com job board provides millions of CFO information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see CFO job openings or enter a new job title here.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 79.0%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 3.2%
401k/403b 2.1%
Disability 1.6%
Healthcare 1.7%
Pension 2.7%
Time Off 9.7%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $397,900 79.0%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $16,223 3.2%
401K/403B $10,500 2.1%
Disability $7,958 1.6%
Healthcare $8,352 1.7%
Pension $13,500 2.7%
Time Off $48,972 9.7%
Total Compensation $503,405 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What are the salaries of a CFO with different levels of education?

Salaries for CFO with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a CFO with a Bachelor's Degree is $399,797 - $462,818. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

CFO Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Typical Education for CFO
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 1.7%
Associates 1.6%
Bachelors 44.5%
Masters 50.0%
Doctorate 1.9%
Typical Education for CFO
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 1.7%
Associates 1.6%
Bachelors 44.5%
Masters 50.0%
Doctorate 1.9%
view as table

CFO Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What Am I Worth?

FAQ about CFO

1. Can CFO make millions?

While some CFOs can earn millions, the typical salary range for CFOs is between $350,200 and $584,800. The median salary is approximately $456,800. High-profile CFOs may exceed these figures significantly, but the majority earn within this range.

2. How much does a CFO make for a $50 million company?

CFO salaries for a company with $50 million in revenue typically range from $350,200 to $584,800. The minimum salary is approximately $350,200, while the mid-range salary is around $456,800, and the maximum can reach up to $584,800, reflecting the increased responsibilities and expectations at this level.

3. Who gets paid more CEO or CFO?

Salaries for each position can vary based on factors like industry and experience. The average salary for a CFO ranges from $350,200 to $584,800, with a midpoint of $456,800. In comparison, the average salary for a CEO is around $128,843, indicating that CFOs generally earn more than CEOs.

4. Do CFOs make good money?

CFOs generally earn substantial salaries. The minimum salary is $350,200, with a mid-range salary of $456,800 and a maximum of $584,800. When bonuses are factored in, total compensation can be significantly higher, reflecting the critical role they play in an organization. Additional benefits often include 401(k) plans and matches.

5. Who is the youngest CFO?

Nolan Watson became the CFO of Silver Wheaton at age 26. Within a year, he was named the company's chief financial officer, making him the youngest-ever CFO of a New York Stock Exchange-listed company. CFO salaries typically range from $350,200 to $584,800, with a mid-salary of $456,800. This reflects the high level of responsibility and expertise required for the role.

6. Is CFO a stressful job?

As a C-Suite executive, the CFO holds significant responsibility, often leading to stress. With a salary range from $350,200 to $584,800, the role comes with high expectations and challenges. Today's CFO faces a broader and more unpredictable landscape than in the past, contributing to increased anxiety in the position.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a CFO is $397,900 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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