What does a CTO do?

Chief technology officers are company executives who are responsible for overseeing the organization’s technical systems, resources, and personnel. They often also supervise related areas such as research and development. They manage recruiting, hiring, and training programs. They spearhead initiatives to incorporate innovate tools and resources into the organization’s operational functions to achieve increased productivity or establish more efficient processes. They actively participate in the process of selecting vendors and products, and implementing technical systems and infrastructure.

Chief technology officers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a computer science or technical field, although an advanced degree is an advantage. They should have in-depth expertise in planning and leading technical programs, and supervising technical teams. These roles require strong project management capabilities and excellent leadership skills.

What responsibilities are common for CTO jobs?
  • Work with senior level stakeholders to identify, build and maintain partnerships across industry.
  • Build and sustain executive customer relationships.
  • Seamlessly switch from executive-level conversations to diving deep into technology to drive high level, strategic discussions around roadmaps and security solutions.
  • Work with senior stakeholders to build, maintain and mature capabilities with selected industry partners.
  • Interact with and lead relationships with strategic external partners and alliances.
What are the typical qualifications for CTO jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in computer science, engineering, information technology or information security.
  • Able to multitask and manage multiple important tasks simultaneously.
  • Fluent in a variety of programming languages, software, and systems.
  • Able to confidently lead and guide a technology team and drive tech strategy.
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
4.3 ★
Salary Range--
Career Opportunity
4.5 ★
Avg. Experience5-7 years

CTO Salaries near United Kingdom

Average Base Pay

£109,334 /yr
Not including cash compensation
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Not enough salaries reported to show distribution
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Glassdoor Estimated Salary

CTO Career Path

Learn how to become a CTO, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Chief Technology Officer
£104,431/yr
Deputy Chief Technology Officer
£116,036/yr
CTO

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
1%
2 - 4
8%
5 - 7
50%
8+
41%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

CTO Insights

Read what CTO professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
VertifyVertify
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
21 Aug 2021

“They are great to work with and I love the direction they are taking with the product.”

AcousticAcoustic
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
7 Feb 2023

“I have seen nothing but mutual trust and respect and a willingness to do what it takes to win.”

USI Insurance ServicesUSI Insurance Services
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
1 Nov 2021

“Good people are always rewarded and the average tenure is well above industry average which speaks for itself.”

Clearbrief
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
30 Sept 2021

“world problems and I really like that we have an engaged customer base and a great team of advisors.”

Sarvvid-AISarvvid-AI
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
24 Sept 2021

“Not only Technically or economically but here our team especially our CEO helps you to explore many fields.”

Versa AsiaVersa Asia
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
2 Mar 2023

“Great seniors to work with in the engineering team to learn best coding practices and further grow your career in the tech industry.”

freelancefreelance
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
9 Sept 2022

“Very good and freedom is the best”

SayduckSayduck
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
10 Aug 2022

“Being able to create opportunities for myself and choose what to work on really helped me to balance my work”

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CTO Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a CTO

When working as a CTO, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are TOGAF, APPLICATION Architecture, API, Cloud and Hybrid Cloud.

The most similar professions to CTO are:
  • President
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Senior Leader

The most common qualifications to become a CTO is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.

Related Careers

President
£84,572
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Chief Executive Officer
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Chief Information Officer
£49,506
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Senior Leader
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CTO jobs