How Much Does a CEO and Founder make?

CEO and Founder made a median salary around $1,144,483 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $1,444,871 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $883,487. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $883,487 10% $645,865 90% $1,718,358 75% $1,444,871 $1,144,483 50%(Median)
Check out CEO and Founder jobs in San Francisco, California

Co-founder/CEO

garture - San Francisco, CA

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Best-Paying Cities for CEO and Founder

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the CEO and Founder profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $1,149,061
Santa Clara, CA $1,149,061
Saratoga, CA $1,149,061
Sunnyvale, CA $1,149,061
Los Gatos, CA $1,149,061

Best-Paying States for CEO and Founder

The states and districts that pay CEO and Founder the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $1,019,047) , California (around $1,009,892) , New Jersey (around $1,003,483) , Alaska (around $997,073) , and Massachusetts (around $996,158) .
District of Columbia $1,019,047
California $1,009,892
New Jersey $1,003,483
Alaska $997,073
Massachusetts $996,158

Frequently Asked Questions for CEO and Founder

Q: What is the salary range of CEO and Founder in San Francisco, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid CEO and Founder in San Francisco, CA earned an average annual salary of $883,487 , while the highest-paid made $1,444,871.
Q: What is the salary for a CEO and Founder in California?
A: CEO and Founder employed in California earned an average salary of $1,009,892 in 2025.

Average CEO and Founder Pay vs. Other Jobs

CEO and Founder earned an average salary of $1,144,483 in 2025. Other jobs related to CEO and Founder earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Founder made $121,680 , CEO made $907,000 , Founder Associate and Startup Founder made $147,458 and $110,635 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of CEO and Founder

Founder - Average Salary $121,680
Founder or Founders may refer to:
CEO - Average Salary $907,000
The CEO organizes leadership and staff to meet strategic goals. Responsible for the short and long-term profitability and growth of the company. Being a CEO identifies and delivers value to stakeholders. Ensures appropriate governance and controls. In addition, CEO may require an advanced degree or its equivalent. Responsible for the development of functional or business unit strategy for the entire organization. Defines corporate vision and strategy establishes company direction and focus. Executes multiple high impact initiatives to achieve overall corporate goals. Working as a CEO typically requires 15+ years of related experience.
Founder Associate - Average Salary $147,458
There is currently no job description for Founder Associate, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Founder Associate.
Startup Founder - Average Salary $110,635
There is currently no job description for Startup Founder, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Startup Founder.
Assistant to Founder - Average Salary $61,237
There is currently no job description for Assistant to Founder, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Assistant to Founder.