What are Chief Executives? What Do Chief Executives Do?
What Top Executives Do
Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.
What is Chief Executives Occupational Code?
11-1011.00
Work Environment
Top executives work in nearly every industry, for both small and large organizations. They often have irregular schedules, which may include working evenings and weekends. Travel is common, particularly for chief executives.
How to Become a Top Executive
Top executives typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and considerable work experience to enter the occupation.
Pay
The median annual wage for chief executives was $179,520 in May 2021.
The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $97,970 in May 2021.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 318,100 openings for top executives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for top executives.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of top executives with similar occupations.