Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee, Wisconsin$267,900 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Milwaukee

Looking for a Chief Operating Officer job in Milwaukee? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Chief Operating Officer in Milwaukee, WI.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Milwaukee has a strong job market for Chief Operating Officers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Chief Operating Officer Salary in Milwaukee

Entry Level
$135,830
Median
$267,900
Senior Level
$432,400

Chief Operating Officer salaries in Milwaukee are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Milwaukee is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Operations StrategyTeam LeadershipProcess OptimizationFinancial ManagementStrategic Planning

Chief Operating Officer Job Market in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI is a major regional employment hub for Chief Operating Officer professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 577K residents, Milwaukee balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Manufacturing leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Chief Operating Officer roles across various sectors. The market for Chief Operating Officer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee

City of MilwaukeeMCTSWe EnergiesMilwaukee Public Schools

Major employers hiring Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee include City of Milwaukee, MCTS, We Energies, Milwaukee Public Schools. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee

Living in Milwaukee as a Chief Operating Officer means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month (33% below the national average). At median Chief Operating Officer salary, housing is quite affordable at 5% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $950/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

94
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.2K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Chief Operating Officer in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Chief Operating Officer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has relatively high state income taxes. A Chief Operating Officer earning $267,900 might pay approximately $21,432 in state income tax. However, Wisconsin's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Chief Operating Officers

The job outlook for Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Milwaukee's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Operations Strategy, Team Leadership, Process Optimization, Financial Management.

Relocating to Milwaukee

Milwaukee's affordable cost of living means your Chief Operating Officer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Wisconsin has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Chief Operating Officer salary in Milwaukee, WI?

The average Chief Operating Officer salary in Milwaukee, WI is $267,900 per year. Entry-level Chief Operating Officers typically start around $135,830, while experienced professionals can earn $432,400 or more. The national average for Chief Operating Officer roles is $285,000.

How many Chief Operating Officer jobs are available in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a strong job market with regular openings for Chief Operating Officer professionals. Major employers hiring Chief Operating Officers include City of Milwaukee, MCTS, We Energies, Milwaukee Public Schools. The Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Milwaukee a good city for Chief Operating Officers?

Milwaukee is an very good choice for Chief Operating Officers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's manufacturing industry creates strong demand for executive & leadership professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee?

Top skills for Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee include Operations Strategy, Team Leadership, Process Optimization, Financial Management, Strategic Planning. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee's cost of living is near the national average (94% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,200/month. Purchasing power in Milwaukee is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Chief Operating Officers in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Executive & Leadership Jobs in Milwaukee

Advertisement

Get Hired Faster

Create an AI-optimized resume tailored for Chief Operating Officer jobs in Milwaukee.

Get Started Free