The upward trajectory of CEO compensation moderated in 2025 amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The median total compensation* for S&P 500 chief executives reached $17.7 million in 2025, representing a 5.9% increase from the previous year. While pay continues to climb, this single-digit uptick marks the smallest annual growth rate since 2022, when median pay grew by just 0.9%. Last year’s study recorded a 9.7% increase, in line with the typical annual change in CEO compensation.

For the 16th year, Equilar and the Associated Press have partnered to analyze CEO compensation across the S&P 500. This annual study tracks pay trends for CEOs who have led their companies for at least two consecutive fiscal years. To be included in the 2026 study, companies must have filed their proxy statements between January 1 and April 30, 2026 READ MORE