Chief executives at S&P 500 companies saw their median compensation packages rise by nearly 10% in 2024, fueled by a booming stock market and strong gains in corporate earnings.
In response to investor pressure, many companies have increasingly linked executive pay to company performance. This has led to a greater share of CEO compensation coming in the form of stock-based awards, which often can’t be accessed unless certain performance goals — such as rising share prices, increased market value, or improved operational profits — are achieved.
The data comes from the Associated Press’ annual CEO pay survey, conducted with compensation analytics firm Equilar. The analysis covers 344 S&P 500 CEOs who served at least two consecutive full fiscal years and whose companies submitted proxy filings between January 1 and April 30.
