Top executives
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$105,350
~$51/hr · ~$8,779/mo
US Jobs
4.0M
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
6/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 6/10
Top executives perform high-level knowledge work including financial analysis, strategic planning, and contract review, all of which are highly susceptible to AI augmentation. However, the core of the role involves human-centric responsibilities like leadership, high-stakes negotiation, and accountability to boards or the public, which provide a significant buffer against full automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJBEST VALUE | $160,460 | Average (102.4) | $156,672 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $138,940 | Below avg (90.1) | $154,222 |
| Boulder, CO | $147,810 | Average (100.6) | $146,908 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $162,480 | Above avg (113.1) | $143,713 |
| Huntsville, AL | $133,750 | Below avg (93.8) | $142,577 |
| Rapid City, SD | $128,290 | Below avg (90.3) | $142,076 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $151,420 | Above avg (109.5) | $138,229 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $123,970 | Below avg (90.8) | $136,525 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $132,990 | Average (98.1) | $135,548 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $121,660 | Below avg (90.9) | $133,845 |
| Wausau, WI | $120,460 | Below avg (90.7) | $132,753 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $149,260 | Above avg (112.6) | $132,505 |
| Midland, TX | $126,310 | Below avg (95.4) | $132,424 |
| Vineland, NJ | $123,610 | Below avg (93.9) | $131,619 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $135,210 | Above avg (103.3) | $130,899 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$51/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,779/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)