CEO compensation in American companies continues to climb relative to average worker pay, a trend seen as necessary for attracting top talent and aligning management incentives with shareholder value. According to a recent report, General Motors CEO Mary Barra has become the highest-paid chief executive among the Big Three automakers.

Barra received total compensation of $29.9 million last year, a modest 1.4% increase over the prior year, as disclosed in a company filing. The slight rise was driven by an 11% jump in stock awards to $21.6 million, which formed the bulk of her package, while nonequity incentive plan compensation fell 26% to roughly $5 million. Her base salary remained unchanged at $2.1 million for several years. READ MORE