Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Guiding people or projects, setting direction, taking responsibility, and helping others succeed.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Top executives typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and considerable work experience to enter the occupation. PayThe median annual wage for chief executives was $213,990 in May 2025.The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $105,770 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 304,100 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. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about top executives by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for chief executives was $213,990 in May 2025.The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $105,770 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 304,100 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. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about top executives by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 304,100 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. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about top executives by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.
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 $213,990 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $105,770 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 304,100 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.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about top executives by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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 $213,990 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $105,770 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 304,100 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.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about top executives by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about top executives by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about top executives by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.