Chief executive officers of S&P 500 companies received higher pay packages in 2024, based on an industry survey. The increase was almost 10% during a year when the stock market rose by more than 23% and company profits expanded by over 9%. Many firms changed their pay systems to link rewards with company performance, often through stock awards. The typical CEO pay reached $17.1 million, while the median worker salary stayed near $85,400. In some low-wage sectors, the gap became remarkable, with executive pay more than 1,000 times greater than that of average workers.

The study showed that the top earners came from technology, aerospace, and entertainment. One technology leader received a package worth over $160 million, tied to goals until 2030. Women CEOs achieved record presence, with 27 included and a median pay of $20 million. Experts said stock-based pay brought a significant rise in executive earnings, but analysts warned it may create a challenge for morale and turnover. Observers described the gap as complex in current debates, while others noted it was a crucial sign of inequality.