How Much Does a Chief of Staff Cost in 2025?
One of the most common questions we get from CEOs is this: How much does it cost to hire a Chief of Staff?
The investment for this role is dependent on four key factors:
Level of responsibility
Company stage
Geographic market
Type of Chief of Staff sought
What Type of Chief of Staff is Right for You Right Now?
When it comes to the type of Chief of Staff, consider first the scope of the role. Do you seek support with managing your schedule and company meetings? Or are you looking for someone to drive strategic projects and serve as your right hand? Next, think about industry experience required for your Chief of Staff. Niche markets or regulated industries may require a higher rate. When deciding whether you want in-office or remote Chief of Staff support, keep in mind on-site roles may carry location-based premiums.
Last, remember faster starts or turnaround times can drive up rates, especially when placing a full-time Chief of Staff.
Before you get too overwhelmed with the permutations, read on for a clear guide to the right hire at the right price point for you. Below, we break down what CEOs can expect to pay for full-time and fractional Chiefs of Staff at various levels in 2025, based on the latest market data. Let’s start with full-time.
Full-Time Chief of Staff Compensation by Level of Responsibility and Company Stage (2025)
| Level | Base Salary | Bonus/Equity | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career / Startup | $110–$160K | 0–1% equity | High-potential generalists, pre-COO track |
| Mid-Level / Growth Stage | $150–$225K | 10–20% performance bonus | Often ex-consultants with strategy backgrounds |
| Senior / PE-Backed / Enterprise | $225–$350K+ | Bonus plus equity packages | Mini-COOs, former operators or business leaders |
These figures reflect base compensation and commonly offered incentive structures, but total cost can vary significantly based on location, stage of company and scope of the role. For example, a Chief of Staff at a private equity-backed company with responsibility for cross-functional leadership may command a salary at the top of the range, especially if they are expected to grow into a future COO or strategy lead.
In addition to salary and bonus, many full-time Chiefs of Staff receive incentives that tie them closely to CEO or company performance. These may include:
Equity or phantom equity, especially in VC- or PE-backed companies
Annual or semi-annual performance bonuses
Relocation support or premiums for in-office roles
Retention incentives, if the company is mid-transaction or preparing for exit
Because the Chief of Staff role is often personalized to the CEO’s working style and strategic priorities, compensation packages are typically customized as well, particularly at more senior levels.
The Cost of Hiring a Fractional Chief of Staff
For many companies, especially those scaling quickly or navigating transition periods, a fractional Chief of Staff is a cost-savvy and highly effective alternative with the typical pay range at $8–$20K per month for 10–25 hours of support weekly. Where your company falls on that range depends on scope, seniority and weekly hours.
Compare that to a fully loaded full-time hire, which can exceed $250K annually. A fractional Chief of Staff provides senior-level support, often the same caliber you’d find in ex-consultants or former operators, for a significantly lower total cost.
Most importantly, fractional engagements offer flexibility. Whether it’s a 3-month sprint to prep for a fundraise or a longer engagement to build operating systems, you pay for the capacity you need–nothing more.
Get a Real Quote
Vannin Chief of Staff specializes in helping companies scope, hire and scale both full-time and fractional Chief of Staff roles. If you are considering this mission-critical hire, we can provide real-time market data tailored to your company size, growth stage and priorities. Let’s connect.
Vannin Chief of Staff, founded in 2020, is a premier talent partner with a focus on roles supporting the CEO. We have a proven track record of helping executives find the right talent, full-time or fractionally, and up-level their talent via our proprietary advisory program. Vannin Chief of Staff has served over 150 clients globally, including Shopify, Orange Theory, Cordis, Lilac Solutions, GRIN, Propelus, WALR, Wish for Wheels and more. Get details at vanninchiefofstaff.com.