Chief Executive Officer Salary in the United States
Based on 131K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$176,421
$84.818/hr
▲ 1.8% vs 2023Salary Range
$119K – $224K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
131K
workers nationwide
Chief Executive Officer salary in the United States averages $176,421 annually, reflecting the significant compensation these top executives command. With approximately 130,910 CEOs employed across the country, this role represents one of the highest-paid positions in the American workforce. Salaries for these positions range from $119,030 to $223,590 depending on individual circumstances and organizational factors.
Several variables influence Chief Executive Officer salary outcomes, including company size, industry sector, and geographic location. Larger corporations and those in highly profitable industries typically offer substantially higher compensation packages. Additionally, a CEO's experience, track record, educational background, and the organization's financial performance all play significant roles in determining final salary offers and total compensation.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $119,030 |
| 25th percentile | $165,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $176,421 |
| 75th percentile | $221,910 |
| 90th percentile | $223,590 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Chief Executive Officer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $231,500 | +31.2% | 570 |
| 2 | California | $220,600 | +25.0% | 37K |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $220,510 | +25.0% | 14K |
| 4 | New York | $219,320 | +24.3% | 8K |
| 5 | Michigan | $219,230 | +24.3% | 4K |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $211,810 | +20.1% | — |
| 7 | Wisconsin | $209,090 | +18.5% | 4K |
| 8 | Ohio | $208,590 | +18.2% | 4K |
| 9 | Nebraska | $206,080 | +16.8% | 3K |
| 10 | Indiana | $205,780 | +16.6% | 2K |
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $176,421 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CEO make per year in the United States?
- The median CEO salary in the United States is $176,421 per year, which breaks down to approximately $85 per hour. However, CEO salaries vary significantly, ranging from $119,030 to $223,590 depending on factors like company size, industry, and location.
What city pays CEOs the most in the US?
- Hawaii offers the highest CEO salaries in the United States, with a top paying average of $231,500 per year. This is notably higher than the national median salary of $176,421.
What is the salary range for a Chief Executive Officer?
- CEO salaries in the United States range from a low of $119,030 to a high of $223,590 annually. The median salary of $176,421 falls roughly in the middle of this range, indicating significant variation based on company size and other factors.
How many CEOs are employed in the United States?
- There are currently 130,910 CEOs employed in the United States. This figure represents the total number of individuals holding the Chief Executive Officer position across all industries and company sizes.