Chief Information Officer (CIO)

What is a chief information officer?

The chief information officer (CIO) is typically the most senior position a tech professional can reach. It is a strategic business leadership position focussed on achieving business objectives through the provision of IT services and solutions. They are also responsible for the performance and success of the IT function.

Chief information officer job description and responsibilities

A business’ information technology strategy rests firmly in the hands of its chief information officer. They are tasked with aiding business growth by providing the IT services and systems needed to achieve objectives.

The daily duties of a chief information officer will change from company to company, depending on the size and speciality. Some basic examples of daily tasks are:

Set and manage the IT budget

External partners/provider/vendor management

Data management

Business IT strategy

IT security and information risk management

Ensuring effective use of technology across all departments

IT team management

Chief information officer job qualifications, skills and experience

CIO’s should ideally start with a bachelor’s degree in one of the following subjects:

Computer Science

Information Technology

Software Engineering

Information Systems

IT management experience is crucial for the role, as is business-related experience. Professionals should be well versed in data management and risk awareness.

The following personal qualities are also helpful for this role:

Project management skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Good leadership abilities

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Looking for a CIO or a CIO job?

Submit your CV or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half can assist you with your chief information officer staffing needs.

Salary for Chief Information Officer (CIO)

108000 - 200000

25th percentile

108000

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

150250

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

200000

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Transformation Officer (CTRO)

128750

165500

202250

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

120000

160500

201500

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

96250

135250

161750

Chief Architect

95500

125750

145500

IT Director

81750

96000

116500

Enterprise Architect

82000

95250

113000

Solution Architect

78000

90000

106750

Data Architect

78250

89750

102250

Head of IT

72000

81500

89750

Infrastructure Architect

71250

81000

96750

IT Manager

46250

54250

62750

Explore more salaries

Latest Chief Information Officer Cio jobs

Search all jobs

Information Security Manager

Head of Technology

IT Manager

Head of Operational Technology

It Manager

Hands-on IT Manager (Security-focused)

Hiring? Start here.

Access millions of skilled contract and permanent candidates at every level from support roles to C-Suite, and pinpoint the talent you need using our industry-leading matching technology.

Find your next hire

Your guide to negotiating salaries and offers

Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job seekers our recruiters have matched with companies across the country, in addition to 350,000 third-party vacancies data from Textkernel for independent validation.

The Salary Guide From Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.