Chief executive officers of companies in the S&P 500 received compensation packages that rose almost 10% in 2024, according to a recent industry survey. The increase took place while the stock market advanced strongly, with the S&P 500 gaining more than 23% and overall profits expanding by more than 9%. Many companies adjusted pay structures to link compensation with performance, with large portions given through stock awards. These awards usually require companies to reach targets in profit or stock price before executives can access them. The median pay package for CEOs climbed to $17.1 million, compared to a median employee salary of about $85,400. At some companies in industries with lower wages, the gap became extreme, reaching more than 1,000 times the typical worker’s pay.

The survey identified several of the highest earners, including leaders in technology, aerospace, and entertainment. One executive in the security and technology sector received a package valued at over $160 million, mostly tied to long-term goals up to 2030. Female CEOs also reached record representation, with 27 included and a median pay of $20 million. Analysts stated that share-based awards have caused a precipitous rise in executive pay, reflecting strong financial markets. Observers warned, however, that these pay gaps can lower morale and increase turnover among staff, creating a deleterious effect on workplace stability. Experts noted that stock-linked pay delivers a clear market signal favored by shareholders, though the ramifications for fairness remain debated. The situation has been described as both salient in economic discussions and a paradigmatic example of modern corporate inequality.