Top Executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations.
The responsibilities of top executives largely depend on an organization’s size. For example, an owner or manager of a small organization, such as an independent retail store, often is responsible for purchasing, hiring, training, quality control, and day-to-day supervisory duties. In large organizations, however, top executives typically focus more on formulating policies and strategic planning, while general and operations managers direct day-to-day operations.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Top Executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations.
The responsibilities of top executives largely depend on an organization’s size. For example, an owner or manager of a small organization, such as an independent retail store, often is responsible for purchasing, hiring, training, quality control, and day-to-day supervisory duties. In large organizations, however, top executives typically focus more on formulating policies and strategic planning, while general and operations managers direct day-to-day operations.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Job Prospects
Top executives are expected to face very strong competition for jobs. The high pay and prestige associated with these positions attract many qualified applicants.
Those with an advanced degree and extensive managerial experience will have the best job prospects.
Employment projections data for top executives, 2016-26
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 | Change, 2016-26 | Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||||
| Top Executives | -- | 2,572,000 | 2,765,100 | 8 | 193,100 | -- |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment projections data for top executives, 2016-26
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Top Executives |
| SOC Code |
| -- |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 2,572,000 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 2,765,100 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 8 |
| NUMERIC |
| 193,100 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| -- |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Pay
The median annual wage for chief executives was $183,270 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
The median annual wage for general and operations managers was $100,410 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000.
In May 2017, the median annual wages for chief executives in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $208,000 or more |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,000 or more |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance | $160,940 |
| Government | $107,130 |
In addition to salaries, total compensation for corporate executives often includes stock options and other performance bonuses. They also may enjoy benefits, such as access to expense allowances, use of company-owned aircraft and cars, and membership to exclusive clubs. Nonprofit and government executives usually receive fewer of these types of incentives.
Top Executives
Median annual wages, May 2017
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Job Outlook
Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary widely by occupation (see table below) and industry, and is largely dependent on the rate of industry growth.
Top executives are essential for running companies and organizations and their work is central to the success of a company.
Generally, employment growth will be driven by the formation of new organizations and expansion of existing ones, which will require more managers and executives to direct these operations.
Top Executives
Percent change in employment, projected 2016-26
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Run Your First Background Check for Top Executives
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Free Staffing Resources
Top 20 Top Executive Companies
- Korn Ferry Executive Search
- Egon Zehnder
- Heidrick & Struggles
- Spencer Stuart
- Diversified Search
- Lucas Group
Professional Recruiter and Staffing Organizations
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National Association of Personnel Services
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Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals
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American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment
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National Association of Executive Recruiters
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National Association for Health Care Recruitment
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association
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American Staffing Association
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Top Echelon Recruiting Network
