Chief executives
BLS projects employment of chief executives to change by +3.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 19,100 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $213,990 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $213,990 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 291,600 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 300,900 |
| Change, 2025–35 | +3.2% (+9,300) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 19,100 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | 5 years or more |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
| Self-employed | 26.6% |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do chief executives make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $213,990 for chief executives in 2025.
What is the job outlook for chief executives?
BLS projects employment to change by +3.2% from 2025 to 2035, with about 19,100 openings per year on average.
What education do chief executives need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: Bachelor's degree. Typical on-the-job training: None.