New York-based CEOs are now raking it in, with median pay skyrocketing to $17.7 million in 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year.
The CEO Pay Gap Widens
While median CEO pay rose by nearly 6%, some of the highest earners got away with astronomical compensation packages, making them some of the highest-paid executives in the country. In fact, the top 10% of CEOs now earn more than $50 million, while the bottom 10% bring home a mere $1 million.
The data, sourced from a recent study, reveals a stark contrast between the compensation packages of top performers and their less successful counterparts. While company boards continue to reward their top executives with bigger bonuses and stock options, the question remains: is this a fair reflection of their performance, or simply a reflection of their ability to negotiate lucrative deals?
The study found that 2025’s biggest earners had a median total compensation package of $57 million. This includes base salary, stock awards, and other perks like bonuses and severance packages. For example, Alexander N. Park, CEO of a major New York-based firm, earned a staggering $145 million, thanks to a $70 million stock award and a $50 million bonus. Others, like David A. Jones and Richard J. Kramer, each earned over $70 million.
What this means
The widening pay gap between CEOs and their employees has significant implications for the wider workforce. As the average American worker struggles to make ends meet, CEOs continue to reap the benefits of their success. This can create a sense of disillusionment and mistrust, as workers feel that their hard work is not being recognized or compensated fairly. As companies focus on rewarding their top performers, they must also consider the impact this has on employee morale and retention.
The study’s findings also raise important questions about executive compensation, particularly in light of the ongoing debate over income inequality and corporate governance. As companies continue to prioritize profits over people, it’s worth considering whether the current system is sustainable or ethical. One thing is clear: the median CEO pay rise of 6% in 2025 is a stark reminder that the wealth gap between the haves and have-nots continues to grow.
