Chief Executive Officer Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$339,810
$163.37/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
+59.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$160K – $607K
3K employed in Washington
The average Chief Executive Officer salary in Washington stands at a substantial $339,810 annually, placing it significantly above the national average. This figure represents the median, with actual salaries typically falling between $160,110 and $607,100. This elevated compensation reflects the high demand and significant responsibilities associated with leading organizations within the state.
Several factors influence the Chief Executive Officer salary in Washington. These include the size and profitability of the company, the specific industry within which it operates, and the candidate's years of experience and proven track record. Furthermore, the robust economic environment and competitive landscape in Washington contribute to the higher end of the salary range.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $160,110 |
| 25th percentile | $216,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $339,810 |
| 75th percentile | $442,180 |
| 90th percentile | $607,100 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $339,810 |
| 2026 (projected) | $350,004 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $339,810 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $350,004 | $218,998 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $216,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $339,810 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $442,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $607,100 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Chief Executive Officer ($339,810 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Manager in WA | $174,000 | -48.8% | $83.65/hr |
| Marketing Manager in WA | $172,270 | -49.3% | $82.82/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in WA | $165,530 | -51.3% | $79.58/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in WA | $163,360 | -51.9% | $78.54/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in WA | $162,730 | -52.1% | $78.24/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in WA | $159,440 | -53.1% | $76.65/hr |
| Construction Manager in WA | $155,070 | -54.4% | $74.55/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in WA | $145,210 | -57.3% | $69.81/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in WA | $133,750 | -60.6% | $64.30/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in WA | $130,630 | -61.6% | $62.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in WA | $124,160 | -63.5% | $59.69/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in WA | $119,320 | -64.9% | $57.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a CEO in Washington?
- The median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Washington is $339,810 per year, which is equivalent to $163 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, coming in at 59.8% above it.
How much can a CEO in Washington expect to earn?
- The salary range for a CEO in Washington is quite broad, typically falling between $160,110 and $607,100 annually. The median earnings offer a central point of reference at $339,810 per year.
Is the salary for a CEO in Washington higher than the national average?
- Yes, the salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Washington is considerably higher than the national average. The median salary of $339,810 per year is 59.8% greater than what CEOs earn across the rest of the country.
How many Chief Executive Officers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 3,170 Chief Executive Officers employed in Washington state. This indicates a robust market for executive leadership roles within the state.