ExecutiveLead2026
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) salary
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) 2026 salary grid by seniority level, in France, the US and the UK. Data from thousands of offers and self-reported pay slips.
Senior France median
135 000 €
gross / year
Senior France daily rate
1 250 €
pre-tax / day
Salaries in France (€ gross / year)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 65 000 € | 78 000 € | 95 000 € |
| Mid | 85 000 € | 105 000 € | 125 000 € |
| Senior | 110 000 € | 135 000 € | 165 000 € |
| Lead | 140 000 € | 175 000 € | 220 000 € |
Freelance daily rate (€ pre-tax / day)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 550 € | 700 € | 900 € |
| Mid | 750 € | 950 € | 1 150 € |
| Senior | 1 000 € | 1 250 € | 1 550 € |
| Lead | 1 300 € | 1 650 € | 2 050 € |
International comparison
🇺🇸 United States
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | $130,000 | $160,000 | $200,000 |
| Mid | $170,000 | $215,000 | $270,000 |
| Senior | $230,000 | $290,000 | $360,000 |
| Lead | $280,000 | $360,000 | $450,000 |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | £65,000 | £80,000 | £100,000 |
| Mid | £85,000 | £110,000 | £135,000 |
| Senior | £115,000 | £145,000 | £180,000 |
| Lead | £145,000 | £185,000 | £230,000 |
Tips to negotiate your salary
- Know the market median: that's your anchor. The high end (max) is negotiable with a strong case.
- Negotiate the full package: base salary, bonus, equity (BSPCE/RSU), PTO, remote work, healthcare, training, equipment.
- Use your BATNA (best alternative): if you have another offer, mention it — without bluffing.
- Anticipate 'name your price' with a range: state median→max, never min→median.
- Ask for a review in 6 or 12 months if the company can't hit your target immediately.
Sources: LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Welcome to the Jungle, Indeed.
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