Chief Executives Salaries & Wage Percentiles
Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025 · Methodology
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.
National Wage Percentile Spectrum
Empirical distribution from entry-level apprentice (10th percentile) to senior principal / master tier (90th percentile).
Nationwide State Salary Rankings
State-by-state empirical labor compensation benchmarked against local cost of living and purchasing power.
| Rank | State | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | CoL Adjusted Real Wage | Total Employed | Top Metro in State | CoL Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oregon OR | $381,870 | $183.59/hr | $318,490 | 910 | Medford, OR | 119.9 |
| #2 | North Carolina NC | $313,301 | $150.63/hr | $263,721 | 1,610 | Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 118.8 |
| #3 | Illinois IL | $299,965 | $144.22/hr | $282,985 | 3,980 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 106.0 |
| #4 | South Dakota SD | $291,795 | $140.29/hr | $304,270 | 320 | Rapid City, SD | 95.9 |
| #5 | Connecticut CT | $290,566 | $139.69/hr | $230,060 | 1,440 | Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | 126.3 |
| #6 | Michigan MI | $265,947 | $127.86/hr | $272,766 | 3,990 | Midland, MI | 97.5 |
| #7 | Hawaii HI | $259,980 | $124.99/hr | $159,889 | 370 | Urban Honolulu, HI | 162.6 |
| #8 | Virginia VA | $259,944 | $124.97/hr | $227,224 | 2,010 | Richmond, VA | 114.4 |
Top Metropolitan Areas for Maximum Earnings
High-yield metros commanding premier compensation, rent affordability, and living wage coverage.
Career Ladder & Progression Stages
Typical milestones from entry level to senior roles.
Master's degree (most common O*NET requirement); entry into the field
Demonstrated results in role; works independently on core responsibilities
Full professional competence; leads projects or a small team
Owns budget, hiring and outcomes for a department or large program
Executive or principal scope; sets strategy across the organization or profession
Skill-Adjacent Career Opportunities
Direct lateral transitions capitalizing on shared occupational competencies and BLS wage differentials.
Chief Executives: Career Ladder, Industry Hub & Regional Parity
Navigate parent industry benchmarks, lateral career progressions, and cross-pillar living cost calculators.
Finance & Management Directory
Compare wage percentiles, required certifications, and senior salary caps across all Finance & Management occupations.
Adjacent Career Paths
Living Cost & Tax Parity
Occupational Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions
Explore national wage percentiles (10th to 90th), top-paying metropolitan areas, and career ladder progression for Chief Executives. Official 2026 economic data for Chief Executives compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.
Quick answers
National compensation benchmarks for Chief Executives range across the 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentiles based on BLS OEWS labor market statistics.
Chief Executives: Where the Pay Is Highest
The national median for Chief Executives is $213,990 per year ($102.88/hour). BLS OEWS publishes this occupation in 317 metropolitan areas, where median pay ranges from $98,800 in San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR to $615,500 in Medford, OR.
Top-paying metropolitan areas for Chief Executives
| Metropolitan area | Median annual wage | Vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Medford, OR | $615,500 | +187.6% |
| Midland, MI | $587,950 | +174.8% |
| Midland, TX | $389,330 | +81.9% |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $388,060 | +81.3% |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $381,330 | +78.2% |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $375,810 | +75.6% |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $370,000 | +72.9% |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $354,310 | +65.6% |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $344,960 | +61.2% |
| Evansville, IN | $339,330 | +58.6% |
| Springfield, IL | $338,570 | +58.2% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $335,900 | +57.0% |