how do the two differ despite the titles the cto has more of an outward looking strategic planning role while the cio has more of a technology focused operational role generally a cio is responsible for technologies that run the company s internal operations and business procedures the cto is responsible for technologies that grow the business externally implementing services and products that serve clients and customers 
many large corporations need both a cto and cio while smaller companies tend to have one or the other the choice depends on the company s vision and budget as technology focuses more on integrating applications processes and the internet of things ctos must keep abreast of big data streaming analytics and cloud technology to remain innovative and stay competitive types of chief technology officerswhile research and development have been a component of businesses for many years the rise of information technology it and computers has increased the importance of the chief technology officer companies focusing on scientific and electronic products employ ctos who are responsible for the oversight of intellectual property and have backgrounds in the industry but the responsibilities and role of the cto also depend on the company there are typically four different kinds of ctos whose main duties may differ this type of cto may oversee the data security maintenance and network of a company and may implement but not necessarily set the company s technical strategy the cto may also manage the company s technological roadmap a second type of cto may envision how technology will be used within the company while setting the technical strategy for the company this cto will also look at how to further implement new technologies within the company to ensure its success in this role a cto will act as a liaison between the customer and the business by taking on the responsibilities of customer relations getting a grasp on the target market and helping deliver it projects to market this kind of cto helps set up the corporate strategy and fuel technological infrastructure analyzes target markets and creates business models additionally the cto will have a close relationship with the ceo and other members of the company s senior management becoming a chief technology officer cto as with most jobs in the it industry the path to cto starts with a bachelor s degree in a computer or information science related field computer programming software development management information systems applied mathematics or cybersecurity many firms also prefer their ctos to have a master s degrees in computer sciences information technologies or technology management given that ctos often focus on products for customers and customer relations sales and marketing courses are often useful as well many chief technology officers have mba degrees reflecting the significance of it in strategic corporate planning and business goals on the job practical experience is important most ctos have worked their way up the it ranks at different organizations industry certifications if not crucial can significantly enhance an applicant s credentials as well a chief technology officer is a high ranking executive level position in a company part of the senior level c suite so applicants may need more than 15 years of experience in the it field before being considered for a cto job as of may 12 2024 annual salaries for ctos in the united states range from 265 475 to 348 517 according to salary com 1the average base salary of a cto in 2024 according to salary com as of may 12 2024 1special considerationsthe u s bureau of labor statistics bls predicts that the job outlook for ctos along with other computer and information systems managers is good employment is expected to increase 15 between 2022 and 2032 much faster than the average 3 for all jobs 2the continued growth of business conducted over information systems and the need to bolster cybersecurity in computer and information systems that businesses use are the main reasons for employment growth in this role increases in cybersecurity threats mean that implementing more robust security policies is critical for organizations that manage sensitive information in 2009 the white house announced the appointment of the country s very first cto an official in the office of science and technology policy this official s main focus is to use technology to help stimulate job creation improve healthcare and security systems and increase broadband access aneesh chopra was the first cto of the u s 3 currently the u s doesn t have a cto and hasn t had one for three years 4