How much does a ceo make?
Answer: A typical ceo in the United States makes $213,990 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 204,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
CEO pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a ceo do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
In O*NET’s survey, 86% of U.S. chief executives said their typical workweek is longer than 40 hours.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Sources and data
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