CEO Pay Trends

CEO Pay Trends, an Equilar publication, analyzes the compensation data of chief executive officers (CEOs) at Equilar 500 companies over the last five fiscal years. The publication examines how companies structure CEO pay packages and the various factors that impact compensation. Meridian Compensation Partners offers independent commentary on the state of CEO pay and what to expect in years to come. 

About the Report

• Equilar subscribers: Subscribers may log in to read the full report now or fill out the form for immediate download.
• Non-subscribers may fill out the form to contact us for purchase information or to request more details about receiving all of our research reports complimentary as part of a subscription.

Key Findings 

• Median total compensation for Equilar 500 CEOs jumped to $14.2 million in fiscal year 2021, an 18.9% increase from the year prior
• The technology sector saw the largest increase in CEO pay, rising by 42.1% to $19.1 million in 2021, followed by the energy sector (39.3%)
• The median value of stock awards for Equilar 500 CEOs increased by 12.3% in 2021, up from $6.3 million to $7.1 million
• The median Equilar 500 CEO Pay Ratio increased by 9.5% from 190:1 in 2020 to 208:1 in 2021