CEO Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$275,000
national median salary
$200,000 to $380,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$382,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$286,000
San Diego, CA
Lowest Paying
$221,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average CEO salary in the United States is $275,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $200,000 at the 25th percentile to $380,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $382,000, while San Diego offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Company stage, revenue scale, and industry sector are the primary salary determinants.
CEO salary by city
Skills that increase CEO pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for CEOs based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $38,500 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$38,500 per year
≈ +$35,750 per year
≈ +$33,000 per year
≈ +$30,250 per year
≈ +$30,250 per year
≈ +$27,500 per year
≈ +$27,500 per year
≈ +$24,750 per year
What you should know
Company stage, revenue scale, and industry sector are the primary salary determinants. Public company CEOs and those at venture-backed late-stage startups command the highest base salaries. Geographic market and board composition also influence base pay, with coastal tech hubs offering the strongest packages.
VP-level leaders earn $180,000 to $250,000 before moving into C-suite. First-time CEOs at early-stage startups may take $120,000 to $200,000 with heavy equity. CEOs at mid-market companies earn $275,000 to $500,000. Large enterprise CEOs exceed $500,000 in base alone.
Base salary often represents just 15 to 30% of total CEO compensation. Equity grants, performance bonuses tied to revenue or EBITDA targets, and long-term incentive plans can bring total compensation to $1 million to $10 million or more at scale companies.