Chief of Staff Salary UK: 2025 Compensation Guide
Comprehensive data on Chief of Staff salaries across the UK. Our Chief of Staff recruitment agency has compiled this guide based on market data, job postings, and industry insights to help you negotiate your worth.
Chief of Staff Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Experience | Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level CoS | 0-2 years | £50,000 - £70,000 | Often called 'Associate CoS' or 'Junior CoS' |
| Mid-Level CoS | 3-5 years | £70,000 - £100,000 | Most common CoS salary range |
| Senior CoS | 5-8 years | £100,000 - £150,000 | May manage small team |
| VP-Level / Head of CoS | 8+ years | £150,000 - £250,000+ | C-suite track, often with equity |
Chief of Staff Salary by UK Location
| Location | Salary Range | Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £80,000 - £180,000 | +25% | Highest volume of roles |
| Manchester | £60,000 - £120,000 | Baseline | Growing tech scene |
| Edinburgh | £65,000 - £130,000 | +5% | Financial services hub |
| Birmingham | £55,000 - £110,000 | -5% | Emerging market |
| Remote UK | £65,000 - £130,000 | Varies | Location-agnostic pay |
Chief of Staff Salary by Industry
Private Equity / VC
Highest paying, often includes carry
Technology / SaaS
Strong equity packages
Financial Services
Banks, hedge funds, asset managers
Consulting
Big 4 and strategy firms
Healthcare / Biotech
Growing sector
Nonprofit / Government
Mission-driven roles
Chief of Staff Salary by Company Stage
| Stage | Employees | Base Salary | Typical Equity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seed / Series A | 10-50 | £60,000 - £90,000 | 0.2% - 0.5% | Higher risk/reward |
| Series B/C Scale-up | 50-200 | £80,000 - £130,000 | 0.05% - 0.2% | Sweet spot for many |
| Late-Stage / Pre-IPO | 200-1000 | £100,000 - £160,000 | 0.01% - 0.1% | Lower risk, higher base |
| Enterprise / Public | 1000+ | £120,000 - £200,000 | RSUs | Highest base salaries |
Understanding Chief of Staff Compensation
Beyond Base Salary: Total Compensation
When evaluating Chief of Staff roles, base salary is just one component. Total compensation often includes:
- Annual bonus: 15-30% of base at most companies
- Equity/Stock options: Significant at startups (0.1-0.5%)
- Signing bonus: £5,000-30,000 for competitive hires
- Benefits: Private healthcare, pension, L&D budgets
Negotiating Your Chief of Staff Salary
Chiefs of Staff are in high demand. Our Chief of Staff recruitment agency recommends:
- • Research comparable roles using this guide and job boards
- • Consider total compensation, not just base salary
- • Negotiate equity vesting acceleration and refresh grants
- • Ask about performance bonus structures and targets
- • Factor in career progression and CEO access
Salary Progression for Chiefs of Staff
The Chief of Staff role is known for rapid career progression. Many CoS professionals see 20-40% salary increases when transitioning to their next role within 2-3 years. Common progressions include COO, VP Operations, General Manager, or founding their own company.
Find Your Next Chief of Staff Role
Browse current opportunities and compare salaries across the UK market.