What Chief Executives do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Chief Executives this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency"; "Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems"; "Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change"; "Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity"; "Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Chief Executives
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 291,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 300,900 in 2035, an increase of 9,300 jobs (+3.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 19,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 26.6% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $213,990, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Chief Executives earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $224,034 in California to $295,773 in New Jersey, a gap of $71,740 (1.32 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $213,990 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 29,560, which is 57.5% of the 51,400 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 11,940.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($295,773), New York ($274,904) and California ($224,034) lead the ranking, while California ($224,034) and New York ($274,904) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Chief Executives: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $167,362. The smallest margin is $116,568 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 12.0% and 18.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Chief Executives
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (11-1000) include General and Operations Managers.
Frequently asked questions about Chief Executives
How much do Chief Executives earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $213,990. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $224,034 to $295,773.
Which state pays Chief Executives the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $295,773. New York is next at $274,904.
Is Chief Executives a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 19,100 openings a year.
What education do Chief Executives need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can Chief Executives afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $167,362 on a median wage of $301,440.