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Career overview · SOC 11-1011

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within 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.

Also called: CEO (Chief Executive Officer) · Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) · Chief Financial Officer (CFO) · Chief Information Officer (CIO) · Chief Operating Officer (COO) · Chief Technical Officer (CTO)

Median pay (national)
$206,420
$73,710–$239,200+ (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
211,850
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.3%
~22,200 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for chief executives shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $239,200+ versus $73,710 at the bottom 10% — 3.2x. The median of $206,420 leaves roughly 16% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 22,200 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, Massachusetts pays the most for this role (median $239,200, +16% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $93,740 — a 155% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Speaking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Learning Strategies
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
  • Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
  • Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
  • Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.
  • Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
  • Review reports submitted by staff members to recommend approval or to suggest changes.
  • Negotiate or approve contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal or state agencies, or other organizational entities.
  • Establish departmental responsibilities and coordinate functions among departments and sites.
  • Deliver speeches, write articles, or present information at meetings or conventions to promote services, exchange ideas, or accomplish objectives.
  • Serve as liaisons between organizations, shareholders, and outside organizations.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • PHP
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • AdSense Tracker
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • ComputerEase construction accounting software
  • Database reporting software
  • Databox

Knowledge areas

  • Administration and Management
  • Personnel and Human Resources
  • English Language
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Economics and Accounting
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Sales and Marketing