Highest Paid CEOs in the United States

To compile the list of the highest-paid CEOs in the United States for 2023, we relied on multiple reputable sources that analyze and report on executive compensation.

Inclusion Criteria:

Total Compensation: We focused on CEOs with the highest total compensation, which includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives.

Public Companies: Only CEOs of public companies were considered, as their compensation details are publicly available through filings and proxy statements.

Recent Data: The data was pulled from the latest available reports to ensure the list reflects the most current compensation figures.

Cross-Referencing:

- We cross-referenced data from the multiple sources to ensure accuracy and consistency. This helped to verify the compensation figures and the inclusion of stock options and performance incentives.

Final List Compilation:

- Based on the aggregated data, we compiled the list by ranking the CEOs according to their total compensation packages. Each entry includes the CEO’s name, company, total compensation, background, and an overview of the company.

List of Highest-Paid CEOs in the United States for 2023:

Elon Musk - Tesla, Inc.

• Total Compensation: Over $6 billion (primarily through stock options and incentives)

• Background: CEO of Tesla since 2008, also CEO of SpaceX and involved in multiple other ventures.

• Company Overview: Tesla is a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $56,000

Hock E. Tan - Broadcom Inc.

• Total Compensation: $161.83 million

• Background: CEO of Broadcom since 2006, joined Meta's board in 2024.

• Company Overview: Broadcom specializes in semiconductors and enterprise software.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $110,000

Nikesh Arora - Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

• Total Compensation: $151.43 million

• Background: Former Google executive and president of SoftBank, joined Palo Alto Networks as CEO in 2018.

• Company Overview: A global leader in cybersecurity solutions.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $110,000

Sue Y. Nabi - Coty Inc.

• Total Compensation: $149.43 million

• Background: Former L'Oreal executive and founder of skincare line Orveda, joined Coty as CEO in 2020.

• Company Overview: Coty is a global beauty company with a portfolio of fragrance, cosmetics, and skincare brands.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $48,000

Christopher Winfrey - Charter Communications, Inc.

• Total Compensation: $89.08 million

• Background: Joined Charter in 2010, became CEO in 2023.

• Company Overview: A leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $55,000

William J. Lansing - Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

• Total Compensation: $66.35 million

• Background: CEO of FICO since 2012.

• Company Overview: Known for its credit scoring services, FICO provides analytics software and tools.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $101,000

Tim Cook - Apple Inc.

• Total Compensation: $63.21 million

• Background: CEO of Apple since 2011, instrumental in the company's growth and innovation.

• Company Overview: Apple is a leading technology company known for its consumer electronics, software, and services.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $68,000

Hamid R. Moghadam - Prologis, Inc.

• Total Compensation: $50.89 million

• Background: CEO of Prologis since 2012, involved in the company’s growth into a leading global logistics real estate firm.

• Company Overview: Prologis is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates logistics facilities.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $78,000

Shantanu Narayen - Adobe Inc.

• Total Compensation: $44.93 million

• Background: CEO of Adobe since 2007, has led the company through significant growth and transformation.

• Company Overview: Adobe is a multinational computer software company known for its creative and digital media products.

• Median Employee Pay: Approximately $119,000

Citations:

Investopedia: We used their detailed reporting on CEO compensation to gather initial data, especially focusing on high compensation figures that include various components such as salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives.

CEOWORLD Magazine:** This publication provided comprehensive lists and detailed breakdowns of CEO pay, including components like stock awards, which are a significant part of the total compensation packages for many executives.

Equilar 100:** This study offers an annual review of CEO compensation packages for public companies with revenues exceeding $1 billion. It includes detailed information on stock awards and other components of pay.