Chief Executives
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $213,990/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 22,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
• Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
• 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 or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.
• Implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental 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 or coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
What's the median pay for Chief Executives?
The median pay for Chief Executives is $213,990 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Chief Executives?
Employment for Chief Executives is projected to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Chief Executives?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Chief Executives?
About 22,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.