Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

What you'd actually do

• Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
• Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
• Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
• Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.
• Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.
• Implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work splits time indoors and out; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 25.9% of chief executives are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are take-charge, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

Related careers

• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Architectural and Engineering Managers
• Natural Sciences Managers
• Marketing Managers
• Financial Managers
• Human Resources Managers

Quick questions

How much does a chief executive make?

The median pay is $102.88 per hour — roughly $214,000 a year, with the real range running from about $36.39/hr (10th percentile) to $244.10/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a chief executive?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a chief executive actually do all day?

Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency. Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems. Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.