Chief executives
May 2005 employment and annual earnings distribution, wage and salary workers
Chief Executives: Determine and formulate policies and provide the overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within the 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.
Top executives held about 2.3 million jobs in 2004. Employment by detailed occupation was distributed as follows:
| General and operations managers | 1,807,000 |
| Chief executives | 444,000 |
| Legislators | 66,000 |
Top executives are found in every industry, but service-providing industries, including government, employ 8 out of 10.
Top executives are among the highest paid workers in the U.S. economy. However, salary levels vary substantially depending on the level of managerial responsibility; length of service; and type, size, and location of the firm. For example, a top manager in a very large corporation can earn significantly more than a counterpart in a small firm.
Median annual earnings of general and operations managers in May 2004 were $77,420. The middle 50 percent earned between $52,420 and $118,310. Because the specific responsibilities of general and operations managers vary significantly within industries, earnings also tend to vary considerably. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of general and operations managers in May 2004 were:
| Computer systems design and related services | $117,730 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 99,670 |
| Building equipment contractors | 83,080 |
| Depository credit intermediation | 76,060 |
| Local government | 68,590 |
Median annual earnings of chief executives in May 2004 were $140,350; although chief executives in some industries earned considerably more.
Salaries vary substantially by type and level of responsibilities and by industry. According to a 2005 survey by Abbott, Langer, and Associates, the median income of chief executive officers in the nonprofit sector was $88,006 in 2005, but some of the highest paid made more than $700,000.
In addition to salaries, total compensation often includes stock options, dividends, and other performance bonuses. The use of executive dining rooms and company aircraft and cars, expense allowances, and company-paid insurance premiums and physical examinations also are among benefits commonly enjoyed by top executives in private industry. A number of chief executive officers also are provided with company-paid club memberships and other amenities.
(from the Occupational Outlook Handbook: Top Executives)
See more recent statistics for employed workers below.
May 2005 employment and annual earnings distribution, wage and salary workers
National Occupational Employment and Earnings by Industry (NAICS sector and 3-digit industry group)
| Chief executives | |||||
| Percentile earnings distribution | |||||
| 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th | |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting employment: 470 mean earnings: $114,400 (def) (IG) | $43,400 | $64,270 | $101,230 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Forestry and Logging employment: 150 mean earnings: $73,010 | $32,360 | $41,960 | $64,190 | $86,580 | $125,610 |
| Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry employment: 320 mean earnings: $133,220 | $57,120 | $84,150 | $123,570 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Mining employment: 2,040 mean earnings: $141,210 (EC) (def) (IG) | $63,650 | $88,640 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Oil and Gas Extraction employment: 930 mean earnings: $153,390 | $74,520 | $107,950 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Mining (except Oil and Gas) employment: 470 mean earnings: $129,890 | $54,340 | $77,220 | $128,610 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Support Activities for Mining employment: 640 mean earnings: $131,790 | $62,900 | $82,360 | $129,140 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Utilities employment: 1,600 mean earnings: $155,880 (EC) (def) (IG) | $89,270 | $120,040 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Utilities employment: 1,600 mean earnings: $155,880 | $89,270 | $120,040 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Construction employment: 22,010 mean earnings: $139,040 (EC) (def) (IG) | $62,480 | $91,340 | $139,270 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Construction of Buildings employment: 6,280 mean earnings: $146,360 | $69,030 | $101,380 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction employment: 3,620 mean earnings: $144,200 | $67,330 | $94,170 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Specialty Trade Contractors employment: 12,110 mean earnings: $133,710 | $59,430 | $86,140 | $129,650 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Manufacturing employment: 43,290 mean earnings: $149,600 (EC) (def) (IG) | $71,480 | $106,150 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Food Manufacturing employment: 2,810 mean earnings: $147,320 | $69,230 | $105,020 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing employment: 700 mean earnings: $158,460 | $86,580 | $114,180 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Textile Mills employment: 500 mean earnings: $143,260 | $70,500 | $100,830 | $143,530 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Textile Product Mills employment: 370 mean earnings: $134,070 | $57,010 | $79,190 | $134,570 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Apparel Manufacturing employment: 690 mean earnings: $146,530 | $56,960 | $100,830 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing employment: 130 mean earnings: $145,390 | $76,440 | $98,810 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Wood Product Manufacturing employment: 1,220 mean earnings: $130,580 | $52,230 | $79,810 | $125,370 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Paper Manufacturing employment: 920 mean earnings: $156,870 | $83,390 | $116,530 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Printing and Related Support Activities employment: 2,320 mean earnings: $144,670 | $61,250 | $99,790 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing employment: 280 mean earnings: $163,330 | $72,010 | $128,040 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Chemical Manufacturing employment: 2,660 mean earnings: $160,360 | $84,170 | $122,000 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing employment: 2,340 mean earnings: $149,490 | $75,100 | $104,820 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing employment: 1,350 mean earnings: $139,990 | $56,970 | $98,580 | $139,540 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Primary Metal Manufacturing employment: 1,240 mean earnings: $149,160 | $73,580 | $104,620 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing employment: 5,900 mean earnings: $140,460 | $62,720 | $92,750 | $142,400 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Machinery Manufacturing employment: 4,870 mean earnings: $147,950 | $74,860 | $105,830 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing employment: 5,410 mean earnings: $162,690 | $85,900 | $128,580 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing employment: 1,180 mean earnings: $157,780 | $86,450 | $118,920 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Transportation Equipment Manufacturing employment: 3,690 mean earnings: $152,880 | $80,320 | $113,280 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing employment: 1,700 mean earnings: $136,140 | $53,450 | $83,600 | $139,620 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing employment: 3,030 mean earnings: $154,040 | $77,440 | $110,250 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Wholesale Trade employment: 22,180 mean earnings: $152,410 (EC) (def) (IG) | $72,800 | $108,130 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods employment: 12,680 mean earnings: $152,750 | $74,940 | $108,430 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods employment: 7,090 mean earnings: $151,140 | $70,750 | $107,510 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers employment: 2,400 mean earnings: $154,370 | $65,710 | $108,760 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Retail Trade employment: 19,360 mean earnings: $135,420 (EC) (def) (IG) | $50,970 | $81,210 | $138,760 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers employment: 6,330 mean earnings: $151,510 | $64,070 | $101,760 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores employment: 1,450 mean earnings: $133,290 | $54,350 | $84,770 | $129,750 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Electronics and Appliance Stores employment: 1,060 mean earnings: $140,570 | $56,020 | $88,250 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Building Material and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers employment: 1,820 mean earnings: $119,860 | $46,680 | $65,700 | $111,790 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Food and Beverage Stores employment: 2,090 mean earnings: $114,180 | $45,560 | $60,160 | $97,220 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Health and Personal Care Stores employment: 1,150 mean earnings: $138,710 | $61,040 | $87,790 | $142,320 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Gasoline Stations employment: 820 mean earnings: $104,800 | $38,410 | $49,610 | $82,250 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores employment: 880 mean earnings: $144,240 | $56,430 | $86,430 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book, and Music Stores employment: 860 mean earnings: $113,010 | $47,380 | $63,250 | $104,060 | >$145K | >$145K |
| General Merchandise Stores employment: 100 mean earnings: $145,830 | $65,410 | $90,050 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Miscellaneous Store Retailers employment: 1,380 mean earnings: $127,190 | $46,960 | $71,860 | $119,700 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Nonstore Retailers employment: 1,420 mean earnings: $143,690 | $62,680 | $93,930 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Transportation and Warehousing employment: 5,730 mean earnings: $134,130 (EC) (def) (IG) | $55,870 | $84,200 | $131,970 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Air Transportation employment: 380 mean earnings: $138,740 | $69,020 | $93,360 | $133,970 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Rail Transportation employment: 40 mean earnings: $128,750 | $25,930 | $80,420 | $135,980 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Water Transportation employment: 190 mean earnings: $165,350 | $89,700 | $135,280 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Truck Transportation employment: 2,160 mean earnings: $125,740 | $49,070 | $70,980 | $118,550 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation employment: 490 mean earnings: $119,030 | $43,460 | $62,780 | $109,500 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Pipeline Transportation employment: 80 mean earnings: $173,410 | $92,960 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation employment: 80 mean earnings: $135,980 | $63,530 | $87,240 | $135,990 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Support Activities for Transportation employment: 1,440 mean earnings: $139,390 | $66,980 | $94,680 | $135,940 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Postal Service employment: 50 mean earnings: $164,220 | $118,460 | $130,520 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Couriers and Messengers employment: 260 mean earnings: $132,350 | $51,250 | $81,380 | $133,240 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Warehousing and Storage employment: 570 mean earnings: $145,110 | $72,830 | $102,840 | $145,140 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Information employment: 9,610 mean earnings: $164,010 (EC) (def) (IG) | $88,590 | $129,600 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Publishing Industries (except Internet) employment: 4,020 mean earnings: $163,320 | $84,290 | $128,940 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries employment: 1,260 mean earnings: $165,170 | $87,510 | $131,870 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Broadcasting (except Internet) employment: 1,140 mean earnings: $165,010 | $93,960 | $130,840 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Internet Publishing and Broadcasting employment: 200 mean earnings: $158,660 | $45,770 | $128,350 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Telecommunications employment: 1,280 mean earnings: $157,090 | $86,450 | $115,010 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Internet Service Providers, Web Search Portals, and Data Processing Service employment: 1,520 mean earnings: $170,530 | $102,120 | $142,170 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Other Information Services employment: 190 mean earnings: $164,930 | $94,190 | $132,260 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Finance and Insurance employment: 25,270 mean earnings: $158,110 (EC) (def) (IG) | $82,220 | $115,180 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Monetary Authorities - Central Bank employment: 80 mean earnings: $154,370 | $96,000 | $118,640 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities employment: 12,620 mean earnings: $150,010 | $78,570 | $103,740 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities employment: 3,490 mean earnings: $175,920 | $106,500 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Insurance Carriers and Related Activities employment: 8,350 mean earnings: $162,840 | $86,500 | $126,140 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles employment: 740 mean earnings: $159,430 | $88,360 | $122,280 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing employment: 4,990 mean earnings: $148,380 (EC) (def) (IG) | $64,170 | $100,960 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Real Estate employment: 3,650 mean earnings: $151,370 | $69,120 | $105,760 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Rental and Leasing Services employment: 1,060 mean earnings: $137,540 | $57,670 | $80,830 | $141,780 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works) employment: 270 mean earnings: $150,630 | $56,150 | $108,040 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employment: 33,620 mean earnings: $159,610 (EC) (def) (IG) | $85,910 | $121,230 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employment: 33,620 mean earnings: $159,610 | $85,910 | $121,230 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises employment: 20,110 mean earnings: $160,020 (EC) (def) (IG) | $84,410 | $120,110 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises employment: 20,110 mean earnings: $160,020 | $84,410 | $120,110 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services employment: 18,630 mean earnings: $138,960 (EC) (def) (IG) | $57,500 | $89,920 | $141,590 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Administrative and Support Services employment: 17,550 mean earnings: $140,080 | $58,750 | $91,170 | $143,360 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Waste Management and Remediation Services employment: 1,070 mean earnings: $120,830 | $40,690 | $68,830 | $113,440 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Educational Services employment: 20,920 mean earnings: $122,760 (EC) (def) (IG) | $67,400 | $86,740 | $113,850 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Educational Services employment: 20,920 mean earnings: $122,760 | $67,400 | $86,740 | $113,850 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance employment: 22,870 mean earnings: $126,970 (EC) (def) (IG) | $57,550 | $80,660 | $118,270 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services employment: 7,580 mean earnings: $135,970 | $64,220 | $89,220 | $132,450 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Hospitals employment: 6,540 mean earnings: $146,810 | $77,990 | $104,490 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Nursing and Residential Care Facilities employment: 4,080 mean earnings: $107,530 | $52,980 | $68,790 | $92,730 | $139,870 | >$145K |
| Social Assistance employment: 4,670 mean earnings: $101,550 | $47,430 | $62,010 | $89,570 | $131,430 | >$145K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation employment: 4,070 mean earnings: $137,550 (EC) (def) (IG) | $56,770 | $85,920 | $139,510 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries employment: 1,450 mean earnings: $153,050 | $69,660 | $105,030 | >$145K | >$145K | >$145K |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions employment: 590 mean earnings: $141,700 | $75,420 | $98,190 | $137,680 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries employment: 2,030 mean earnings: $125,260 | $48,490 | $71,970 | $119,870 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Accomodation and Food Service employment: 6,600 mean earnings: $112,380 (EC) (def) (IG) | $37,560 | $60,220 | $98,050 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Accommodation employment: 1,120 mean earnings: $128,120 | $43,590 | $77,550 | $124,820 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Food Services and Drinking Places employment: 5,480 mean earnings: $109,170 | $37,050 | $58,130 | $92,950 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) employment: 10,500 mean earnings: $125,730 (EC) (def) (IG) | $49,650 | $78,350 | $119,360 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Repair and Maintenance employment: 2,020 mean earnings: $114,040 | $44,140 | $68,070 | $102,620 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Personal and Laundry Services employment: 1,600 mean earnings: $125,170 | $47,980 | $76,270 | $115,630 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations employment: 6,880 mean earnings: $129,290 | $53,470 | $82,110 | $125,120 | >$145K | >$145K |
| Federal, State, and Local Government (OES Designation) employment: 27,440 mean earnings: $89,130 (def) (IG) | $23,680 | $50,570 | $82,590 | $116,320 | >$145K |
| Federal, State, and Local Government (OES Designation) employment: 27,440 mean earnings: $89,130 | $23,680 | $50,570 | $82,590 | $116,320 | >$145K |
source: Occupational Employment Statistics Program; about these estimates
The (EC) links lead to data from the Economic Census from the Census Bureau.
The (def) links lead to 2002 NAICS industry definitions from the Census Bureau.
The (IG) links lead to Industry at a Glance industry profiles from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.