CEO Pay Soars to Record Highs, Far Outpacing Worker Wages

Median CEO compensation at S&P 500 companies rose 12.6% in 2023, compared to a 4.1% increase for average workers.

Top executives at S&P 500 companies saw median pay packages of $16.3 million last year.
The pay gap between CEOs and workers has been widening for decades, driven by stock awards and buybacks.
Elon Musk received a $56 billion stock option package, the largest in history, despite controversy.
Shareholder opposition to high CEO pay is growing but remains largely ineffective.
Economists suggest higher marginal tax rates and stronger unions could help curb excessive executive compensation.