Tucson, AZ, September 18, 2026 —

A new report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reveals a significant increase in executive compensation. In 2025, the average pay for chief executive officers (CEOs) at the 350 largest U.S. companies rose by 14%, reaching a total of approximately $28 million. This surge in CEO earnings has widened the pay gap between executives and the average worker.

According to the report’s findings, CEOs at these top companies now earn, on average, 325 times the salary of a typical worker. This ratio marks a substantial divergence from historical compensation trends. For context, in 1965, CEOs earned, on average, 21 times the salary of the average worker. The EPI’s analysis highlights the escalating trend of executive pay outpacing that of the general workforce over several decades.

The Economic Policy Institute is a non-profit, tax-exempt institution that is funded by a combination of foundation grants, individual contributions, and publications sales. Its research focuses on economic inequality and the well-being of low- and middle-income workers. The report does not specify the methodology used to define a “typical worker” or the exact scope of “top 350 companies” beyond their market capitalization. Information regarding the specific breakdown of CEO compensation components, such as salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, was not provided in the summary of the report.

The widening disparity in earnings between CEOs and average workers, as detailed in the EPI’s findings, reflects broader discussions about corporate governance, income inequality, and economic fairness. The report’s data points to a long-term trend where executive compensation has grown at a much faster rate than the earnings of most employees.


Story summarized from the original created by Scripps News Group on www.kgun9.com, see more information here.

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