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Best States for Chief Executives: Highest-paid Chief Executives by State

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Chief executives are responsible for overseeing the overall operations and strategic direction of a company, making critical decisions to drive success and growth.

This article will explore the best states for chief executives, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid chief executives are in New Jersey, where they earn an average of $414,350 per year.
  • The lowest-paid chief executives are in Wyoming, where they earn an average of $-1 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for chief executives is $216,302 per year.

1. New Jersey ($414,350)

New Jersey Chief Executives in New Jersey earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in New Jersey is $414,350, which is +92% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$414,350
10th Percentile$110,760
25th Percentile$157,270
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

2. South Dakota ($334,240)

South Dakota Chief Executives in South Dakota earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in South Dakota is $334,240, which is +55% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$334,240
10th Percentile$155,330
25th Percentile$190,090
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

3. New York ($324,370)

New York Chief Executives in New York earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in New York is $324,370, which is +50% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$324,370
10th Percentile$104,560
25th Percentile$158,290
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

4. North Carolina ($322,120)

North Carolina Chief Executives in North Carolina earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in North Carolina is $322,120, which is +49% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$322,120
10th Percentile$120,650
25th Percentile$172,460
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

5. Texas ($314,060)

Texas Chief Executives in Texas earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in Texas is $314,060, which is +45% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$314,060
10th Percentile$104,330
25th Percentile$161,250
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

6. Michigan ($312,710)

Michigan Chief Executives in Michigan earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in Michigan is $312,710, which is +45% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$312,710
10th Percentile$104,330
25th Percentile$159,050
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

7. District of Columbia ($306,130)

District of Columbia Chief Executives in District of Columbia earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in District of Columbia is $306,130, which is +42% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$306,130
10th Percentile$100,320
25th Percentile$158,500
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

8. Washington ($305,760)

Washington Chief Executives in Washington earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in Washington is $305,760, which is +41% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$305,760
10th Percentile$134,070
25th Percentile$177,360
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

9. Hawaii ($298,640)

Hawaii Chief Executives in Hawaii earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in Hawaii is $298,640, which is +38% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$298,640
10th Percentile$132,700
25th Percentile$168,730
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

10. Virginia ($292,600)

Virginia Chief Executives in Virginia earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for chief executives in Virginia is $292,600, which is +35% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$292,600
10th Percentile$102,360
25th Percentile$165,840
75th Percentile$-3
90th Percentile$-3

Conclusion

The highest-paid chief executives are in New Jersey, where they earn an average of $414,350 per year. The lowest-paid chief executives are in Wyoming, where they earn an average of $-1 per year. The U.S. average salary for chief executives is $216,302 per year and there are 180,098 jobs in the field.