Chief Executive Officer Salary in the United States
Based on 146K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$212,619
$102.22/hr
▲ 20.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$99K – $479K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
146K
workers nationwide
The median Chief Executive Officer salary in the United States is $212,619 per year, or approximately $102 per hour. This reflects the significant responsibilities and strategic leadership expected of this role across a wide range of industries. The salary range for CEOs is broad, from $98,687 on the lower end to as high as $478,592 annually.
Several factors influence a CEO's compensation. These can include the size and profitability of the company, the industry sector, years of experience, and geographic location. For instance, CEOs in top-paying states like Oregon can earn substantially more, with a median of $341,630.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,687 |
| 25th percentile | $141,807 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $212,619 |
| 75th percentile | $331,245 |
| 90th percentile | $478,592 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Chief Executive Officer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $341,630 | +60.7% | 910 |
| 2 | Washington | $339,810 | +59.8% | 3K |
| 3 | Illinois | $331,920 | +56.1% | 5K |
| 4 | North Carolina | $314,290 | +47.8% | 2K |
| 5 | Virginia | $310,740 | +46.1% | 5K |
| 6 | New Jersey | $310,440 | +46.0% | 2K |
| 7 | Connecticut | $295,120 | +38.8% | 2K |
| 8 | Hawaii | $281,640 | +32.5% | 470 |
| 9 | South Dakota | $280,900 | +32.1% | 510 |
| 10 | New York | $257,980 | +21.3% | 8K |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Industry
How much Chief Executive Officers earn across industries nationwide — Management of Companies and Enterprises pays the most ($358,310 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | +68.5% | 15K |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | +48.6% | 17K |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | +46.3% | 680 |
| 4 | Information | $275,030 | +29.4% | 9K |
| 5 | Manufacturing | $263,290 | +23.8% | 11K |
| 6 | Utilities | $249,330 | +17.3% | 1K |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $244,880 | +15.2% | 10K |
| 8 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $244,430 | +15.0% | 170 |
| 9 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $237,180 | +11.6% | 40K |
| 10 | Transportation and Warehousing | $220,210 | +3.6% | 3K |
| 11 | Administrative and Support Services | $207,440 | -2.4% | 9K |
| 12 | Educational Services | $198,190 | -6.8% | 17K |
| 13 | Construction | $198,040 | -6.9% | 6K |
| 14 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $197,090 | -7.3% | 18K |
| 15 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $191,160 | -10.1% | 4K |
| 16 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $181,260 | -14.7% | 9K |
| 17 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $145,920 | -31.4% | 22K |
| 18 | Accommodation and Food Services | $137,190 | -35.5% | 990 |
| 19 | Retail Trade | $129,980 | -38.9% | 4K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $225,376 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $141,807 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $212,619 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $331,245 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $478,592 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Chief Executive Officer in the US?
- The median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in the United States is $212,619 annually. This means half of all CEOs earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with the full range extending from $98,687 to $478,592.
How much does a CEO make in Oregon?
- CEOs in Oregon tend to earn a higher median salary, reaching $341,630 per year. This figure is significantly above the national median, highlighting the impact of location on executive compensation.
What is the salary range for a Chief Executive Officer?
- The salary range for a Chief Executive Officer in the US is quite wide, spanning from $98,687 on the lower end to $478,592 annually at the highest end. The median salary sits at $212,619, providing a midpoint for this spectrum.
Is the demand for CEOs high in the US?
- There are currently 145,980 Chief Executive Officers employed in the United States. While this indicates a substantial number of positions, the demand is influenced by various economic and industry-specific factors.