As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Executive in the United States is $206,582 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $99.
However, a Chief Executive's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chief Executive's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Executive's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Chief Executive | $193,471 |
| Intermediate Level Chief Executive | $194,701 |
| Senior Level Chief Executive | $195,726 |
| Specialist Level Chief Executive | $198,390 |
| Expert Level Chief Executive | $207,210 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Executives. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.65% |
| Billing | 2.13% |
| Business Administration | 1.2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Insight
|
$227,240 |
10%
|
|
Financial Planning
|
$221,043 |
7%
|
|
Cash Management
|
$221,043 |
7%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$221,043 |
7%
|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$221,043 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$218,977 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Chief Executive's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Chief Executive can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $168,428 in 2023 to around $163,538 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Executive salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $168,428 |
| 2024 | $167,254 |
| 2025 | $163,538 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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