Career Profile: Chief Executives

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 283,900 people employed as chief executives in the United States. The median annual salary is $179,520. Entry level employees earn approximately $60,300 per year and senior employees earn approximately $208,000 (or more) per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Prepare bylaws approved by elected officials, and ensure that bylaws are enforced.
• Serve as liaisons between organizations, shareholders, and outside organizations.
• Attend and participate in meetings of municipal councils or council committees.
• Represent organizations or promote their objectives at official functions, or delegate representatives to do so.
• Organize or approve promotional campaigns.
• Nominate citizens to boards or commissions.
• Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
• Appoint department heads or managers and assign or delegate responsibilities to them.
• Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.
• Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.
• Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
• Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
• Implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.
• Direct human resources activities, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, the selection of directors or other high-level staff, or establishment or organization of major departments.
• Establish departmental responsibilities and coordinate functions among departments and sites.
• Preside over, or serve on, boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.
• Negotiate or approve contracts or agreements with suppliers, distributors, federal or state agencies, or other organizational entities.
• Review and analyze legislation, laws, or public policy and recommend changes to promote or support interests of the general population or special groups.
• Administer programs for selection of sites, construction of buildings, or provision of equipment or supplies.
• Direct or conduct studies or research on issues affecting areas of responsibility.
• Coordinate the development or implementation of budgetary control systems, recordkeeping systems, or other administrative control processes.
• Direct or coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
• Make presentations to legislative or other government committees regarding policies, programs, or budgets.
• Refer major policy matters to elected representatives for final decisions.
• Direct or coordinate activities of businesses involved with buying or selling investment products or financial services.
• Conduct or direct investigations or hearings to resolve complaints or violations of laws, or testify at such hearings.
• Direct non-merchandising departments, such as advertising, purchasing, credit, or accounting.
• Review reports submitted by staff members to recommend approval or to suggest changes.
• Deliver speeches, write articles, or present information at meetings or conventions to promote services, exchange ideas, or accomplish objectives.
• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
• Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.

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