Career Atlas USA

Highest-Paying States for Chief Executives

Ranked purely by BLS median annual wage — this does not account for cost of living or job availability. See best states for a balanced ranking.

  1. 1Oregon$341,630
  2. 2Washington$339,810
  3. 3Illinois$331,920
  4. 4North Carolina$314,290
  5. 5Virginia$310,740
  6. 6New Jersey$310,440
  7. 7Connecticut$295,120
  8. 8Hawaii$281,640
  9. 9South Dakota$280,900
  10. 10New York$257,980
  11. 11Texas$257,850
  12. 12Michigan$255,560
  13. 13Indiana$254,180
  14. 14Maryland$248,660
  15. 15Rhode Island$235,360