United States CEO pay climbs as worker gap widens
PUBLISHED Jul 26, 2026, 4:34 PM ET
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United States – Chief executive compensation at major U.S. companies rose nearly 6% in 2025 to a median package of $17.7 million, according to a new analysis of top firms. Company boards increased overall CEO pay as they rewarded senior executives for boosting corporate profits and delivering stronger returns for shareholders, and they also structured compensation packages to encourage top leaders to remain in their roles for the coming years. The latest data reflect how boards link executive rewards to financial performance and long‑term incentives, even as companies navigate competitive pressures and changing market conditions. United States – The survey also highlights the widening gap between top executives and typical employees. At half of the companies included in the Associated Press review, a worker earning the median wage at their firm would need 200 years to make what the chief executive received in just one year, an increase from 192 years in the prior annual survey. Readers can compare their own pay with that of these top CEOs by entering their annual salary in the interactive tool below, which shows how individual earnings stack up against the multimillion‑dollar compensation packages awarded to corporate leaders.
By James Porter | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2024 Median pay gap measured at 192 years
- 2024 Company profits and returns rise
- Early 2025 Boards review executive performance
- 2025 CEO compensation packages increase nearly 6%
- 2025 Median CEO pay reaches $17.7 million
- 2025 Worker-to-CEO pay gap hits 200 years
- Mid 2025 AP survey documents widening disparity
- Today Workers can compare salaries against CEOs
News Intelligence
- The CEO-worker pay gap affects us all. It can impact morale, productivity, and even your paycheck. If you're curious, use the interactive tool to see how your salary compares to top CEOs. It's a reality check on where your earnings stand.
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