How to become chief executiveseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$213,990

25th–75th pct. $129,540–$356,200

Top pay (est.)

$660,000

Top 10% $507,730

Pay in 5 years

$245,400est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$281,500est.

$242,100–$326,800

Outlook score

64/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

56%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.2%

19K openings / yr

How to become chief executives

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Chief Executives

Key skills

Judgment and Decision Making

5.4

Monitoring

5.2

Management of Financial Resources

5.2

Management of Personnel Resources

5.2

Systems Analysis

5.1

Systems Evaluation

5.0

Coordination

4.9

Complex Problem Solving

4.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administration and Management

6.5

Customer and Personal Service

5.9

Personnel and Human Resources

5.8

Computers and Electronics

5.2

Sales and Marketing

5.0

Economics and Accounting

5.0

Mathematics

4.6

Education and Training

4.6

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoaching and Developing OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCoordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionSpeech Clarity

Education of workers

Master's degree

46%

Bachelor's degree

32%

Associate's degree

Doctoral degree

High school diploma

Post-master's certificate

Post-doctoral training

Training before entry

6–12 months

17%

4–10 years

16%

None / short demo

10%

3–6 months

2–4 years

1–3 months

Up to 1 month

Related work experience

Over 10 years

68%

6–8 years

15%

2–4 years

10%

4–6 years

8–10 years

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as chief executives

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.