What Do Chief Executives Actually Earn?

BLS OEWS data for chief executives tells a story that looks different from the headline CEO pay figures reported in corporate proxy statements. Understanding why requires knowing what the OEWS survey measures — and what it doesn't.

What BLS Measures

The OEWS survey collects straight-time wages and salaries — base pay only. It excludes bonuses, equity compensation (stock options, RSUs), and deferred compensation. For public company CEOs, where equity grants often represent the majority of total compensation, the BLS figures will appear dramatically lower than what you read in financial media.

What the Data Still Shows

Even capturing only base pay, chief executive wages in the OEWS consistently top every occupation ranking. The 90th percentile hits the BLS top-code cap in many states, reflecting the extreme concentration of high earners at the top of this category.

State and Metro Variation

New York, California, and Connecticut report the highest median wages for chief executives — driven by concentrations of large financial, tech, and media companies. Explore executive wages by state starting at the locations browser.

Management Occupations Overview

Browse the Management Occupations group for wages across all executive, general management, and specialized management roles.