How much does a CEO make?
a year · about $103 an hour
A typical CEO in the United States makes $213,990 a year, about $103 an hour, about 4.2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A CEO might check budgets and sales, then meet leaders and board members to solve problems and set priorities. They guide company goals, approve plans or contracts, and may travel to another office or conference.
Did you know? In O*NET’s survey, 86% of U.S. chief executives said their typical workweek is longer than 40 hours.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $75,700 and $507,730How do you become one?
In the U.S., most CEOs earn a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business or engineering, then build years of management experience in their industry. Some employers also ask for a related license or certification.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., CEO pay can vary with an organization’s size and industry, the location, and the leader’s experience. Corporate jobs may add performance bonuses or stock options, while nonprofit and government jobs often offer fewer extras.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($341,630), lowest in Arkansas ($119,990).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,700 | $213,990 | $507,730 | about 204,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $341,630 | about 910 |
| Washington | $339,810 | about 3,000 |
| Illinois | $331,920 | about 5,000 |
| North Carolina | $314,290 | about 2,000 |
| Virginia | $310,740 | about 5,000 |
Official definition: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-1011.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111011.htm
- cdo.som.yale.edu/blog/2024/02/06/7-current-factors-that-influence-executive-comp
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY