Research Summary. Utilizing a combination of public government and company data, along with insights from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has developed average salary estimates for various jobs across the United States. From this data set, we have identified the highest-paid president roles based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of presidents:
-
President/Chief Executive Officer emerges as the highest-paid president role, boasting an average salary of $240,732 and an average hourly rate of $115.74.
-
The second highest-paying position is Executive Vice President, with an average salary of $216,285.
-
The average salary for a president is $192,329 annually, translating to an average hourly wage of $92.47.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while compensation should not be the sole criterion for decision-making, it remains a crucial factor. If you aspire to work as a president, understanding the highest-paid roles can help inform your career trajectory and strategic planning.
Here are the top salaries for different types of presidents:
-
President/Chief Executive Officer
Average Salary: $240,732
As the highest authority in a company, a President/Chief Executive Officer leads the organization by implementing corporate strategies and shaping its overall direction. Responsibilities include crafting strategic plans, enforcing policies, directing the company’s vision, and serving as the public face of the organization. They must maintain open communication with the board of directors and collaborate effectively with other employees.
-
Executive Vice President
Average Salary: $216,285
An Executive Vice President oversees departmental operations, manages client relationships, formulates strategic goals, and identifies opportunities to enhance company performance, drive revenue, and meet profitability targets. They play a critical role in sales innovations, contract negotiations, financial analysis, and cost management while ensuring high-quality operations and customer satisfaction.
-
President & Chief Operating Officer
Average Salary: $211,982
A President/Chief Operating Officer is tasked with overseeing daily business operations and executing corporate strategies that prioritize the welfare of the company and its employees. They regularly engage with key executives and business partners to provide updates and strategize on enhancing functionality and brand perception. Their role also includes financial performance reviews and leading initiatives to improve productivity and efficiency.
-
Senior Vice President
Average Salary: $194,770
A Senior Vice President’s duties vary by organization but generally involve supervising and leading departmental operations, reporting to the president and board, assessing team performance, and maintaining communication with staff and management. They also contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at boosting sales, explore innovative solutions, and ensure operations comply with company policies.
-
Chief Executive Officer
Average Salary: $192,260
A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overarching operations of the company. The CEO makes crucial corporate decisions that drive the company’s market performance. Exceptional leadership and decision-making skills are essential for developing business growth strategies. CEOs also provide regular updates to the board regarding the company’s status and must identify business opportunities while building lasting relationships with partners.
Below is a complete table of the average salaries for various president roles, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Presidents
Methodology
Zippia employs publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to formulate its salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company-published resources for current salary data specific to president roles.
After compiling the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title for which they estimate a salary. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of President Jobs FAQs
-
What is the highest-paid president job?
The highest-paid president job is a President/Chief Executive Officer. President/Chief Executive Officers earn an average salary of $240,732, which equates to $115.74 per hour.
As the highest authority in a company, a President/Chief Executive Officer leads the organization by implementing corporate decisions and shaping its overall direction. They are responsible for crafting strategic plans, enforcing policies, directing the company’s vision, and serving as the public face of the organization. Furthermore, they must maintain an open line of communication with the board of directors and other company employees.
-
What is a good salary for a president?
A good salary for a president is $192,329 or more. The average president salary is $192,329, meaning those earning at least this amount are receiving above-average paychecks.
However, keep in mind that the average president salary can vary based on location, as companies adjust their pay scales according to the cost of living in different areas. Research the average salary in your region for someone with your expertise and experience level to gain a more accurate view of your compensation.
Additionally, if you are just starting your career as a president, the average entry-level salary may be lower than the stated average, so consider that when evaluating your earnings.
-
Do President jobs pay well?
Yes, president jobs pay well. As in any industry, certain president roles offer higher salaries than others, but the average president salary of $192,329 significantly exceeds the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
Moreover, many president positions feature high earning potential, with the top 10% of presidents earning considerably more than the average.
Presidents’ salaries may fluctuate based on experience, industry, and geographic location, so consider these factors when pursuing a president position. Conduct research on the prevailing salary for president roles in your area, and don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary based on this information.
-
Where do presidents get paid the most?
Presidents earn the highest salaries in New York. In New York, the average annual salary for presidents is $185,448, with an average hourly wage of $89.16.
Following New York, the states with the highest-paid presidents include Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas, with average annual salaries of $177,899, $183,675, and $172,204 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid president salaries are:
-
New York, NY – $210,207
-
Newark, NJ – $207,178
-
Springfield, IL – $203,583
-
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
