What is a CTO salary?

How long is a piece of string?
The definition of a CTO role has so many variables there is no “typical” salary – even the averages pumped out by various sources have to be taken with a pinch of sale because different packages wrap up different levels of often hidden incentive.

From straight salary to a mixture of salary and stock option/vested stake.

Then you have the difference between established company packages and the start up/early stage culture of graft today, jam tomorrow.

What we know for sure – high impact CTOs are in high demand so the key is build your own value in the market and negotiate your next role from a position of strength. 

How can you achieve better than average?

The key with any negotiation is to be holding all the cards.

High impact CTOs are in demand but what are the key attributes of in-demand CTOs?

Well, it’s not their hard skills. The key difference between the good and the great CTO is shaped by ability to lead, which is down to the soft skills.

From communication to critical thinking, delegation to decision making, your personal value in the market will be shaped by the impact you can have in an organisation and that will be defined by your leadership capabilities.

Start Up / Fast Growth

Steep Learning, High Reward

Quickest route to CTO is start you own company or be an early hire. The learning curve is rapid, the salary less so but you’re in the heart of the business and building that equity stake.

The Enterprise and SME

Stable Learning, Career Roadmap

Building your career within a corporate environment provides a more stable learning and salaried environment. This is about building a personal brand and career road map to achieve the role you want.

Career Purpose

Intrinsic Motivation

Do you know your core values and intrinsic motivation? More enjoyable and interesting to achieve the career you want if it’s aligned to your personal values, rather than outside incentives or pressures.