Chief Executives
Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.
Is chief executives a good career?
It scores 46/100 and ranks #45 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($213,990 vs $61,390)
- High volume of openings — about 22,200 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
- Often needs prior experience (5 years or more)
What chief executives earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. chief executives earn between $129,540 and $356,200 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live chief executives jobs
How to become a chief executive
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- 5 years or more
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Top executives typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in an area related to their field of work, such as business or engineering. Top executives in the public sector may have a degree in business administration, public administration, law, or the liberal arts. Top executives of large corporations may have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
College presidents and school superintendents are typically required to have a master’s degree, although a doctorate is often preferred.
Although many mayors, governors, and other public sector executives have at least a bachelor’s degree, these positions typically do not have any specific education requirements.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some top executive positions may require the applicant to have a license or certification relevant to their area of management. For example, some employers may require their chief executive officer to be a certified public accountant (CPA).
Important qualities
Communication skills. Top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively. They must discuss issues and negotiate with others, direct staff, and explain policies and decisions to people within and outside the organization.
Decision-making skills. When setting policies and managing an organization, top executives must be able to assess different options and choose the best course of action.
Leadership skills. Top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources.
Problem-solving skills. Top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization. They must be able to recognize shortcomings and carry out solutions.
Time-management skills. Top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals.
Related occupations
How much do chief executives make?
The national median wage is $213,990 a year, with the middle half earning between $129,540 and $356,200 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is chief executives a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 46 of 100 and ranks #45 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a chief executive?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, usually with 5 years or more.
Where do chief executives earn the most?
Among states, Oregon pays the highest median ($341,630). Local pay for every state and metro is below.