Chief Executive Officer Salary in Alabama
Based on 810+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$166,420
$80.01/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
-21.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$102K – $317K
810 employed in Alabama
The median Chief Executive Officer salary in Alabama is $164,400 per year, with approximately 830 CEOs employed throughout the state. This figure falls about 7% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries for this executive role typically range from $104,950 at the lower end, though top earners may command significantly higher compensation depending on their circumstances.
Several factors influence Chief Executive Officer salary in Alabama, including company size, industry sector, and years of experience. Large corporations and established organizations generally offer more competitive packages than smaller enterprises. Additionally, the local cost of living and regional business landscape play roles in determining compensation levels for executive positions across the state.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,670 |
| 25th percentile | $134,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $166,420 |
| 75th percentile | $222,490 |
| 90th percentile | $317,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $136,930 |
| 2023 | $165,320 |
| 2024 | $164,400 |
| 2025 | $166,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $168,465 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $136,930 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $165,320 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $164,400 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $166,420 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $168,465 | $215,231 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $134,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $166,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $222,490 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $317,400 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Chief Executive Officer ($166,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Manager in AL | $130,710 | -21.5% | $62.84/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AL | $128,750 | -22.6% | $61.90/hr |
| Sales Manager in AL | $124,040 | -25.5% | $59.63/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in AL | $122,520 | -26.4% | $58.90/hr |
| Marketing Manager in AL | $120,160 | -27.8% | $57.77/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in AL | $114,550 | -31.2% | $55.07/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in AL | $113,210 | -32.0% | $54.43/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in AL | $111,790 | -32.8% | $53.75/hr |
| Management Analyst in AL | $108,040 | -35.1% | $51.94/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in AL | $100,820 | -39.4% | $48.47/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in AL | $98,210 | -41.0% | $47.22/hr |
| Construction Manager in AL | $96,960 | -41.7% | $46.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CEOs make in Alabama?
- The median CEO salary in Alabama is $164,400 per year, or approximately $79 per hour. This is about 6.8% below the national average for chief executives.
What is the salary range for a CEO in Alabama?
- CEO salaries in Alabama range from a minimum of $104,950 per year, with the upper end of the range not specified in current data. The median falls at $164,400 annually.
Is being a CEO in Alabama paid less than the national average?
- Yes, Alabama CEOs earn 6.8% less than the national average. While the median Alabama CEO salary is $164,400, this falls below the national compensation level for the same role.
How many CEOs are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 830 chief executives currently employed in Alabama based on the latest employment data.