From 2019 to 2024 average CEO pay at the Low-Wage 100 rose 34.7% while average median worker pay rose 16.3%, below 22.6% U.S. inflation. The average CEO now earns $17.2 million; the typical worker earns $35,570 annually. Twenty-two companies experienced nominal median pay declines. The CEO-to-worker pay ratio increased from 560:1 to 632:1, more than double the S&P 500 average, with one firm reaching 6,666:1. The 100 firms spent $644 billion on buybacks, often exceeding long-term capital investment. At least 32 billionaires tied to these firms hold $827 billion combined. Policy proposals include higher taxes on outsized pay gaps, with 80% of likely voters supporting such measures in 2024.
From 2019 to 2024, average CEO pay at Low-Wage 100 firms climbed 34.7%, compared to just a 16.3% rise for their average median worker pay-less than the cumulative 22.6% U.S. inflation over the same period. The average CEO now earns $17.2 million, while the typical worker receives only $35,570 a year. At 22 of these companies, even nominal median pay dropped over six years.
The CEO-to-worker pay ratio ballooned 12.9%, from 560:1 in 2019 to 632:1 in 2024-more than double the S&P 500 average. Starbucks set a new record with a staggering 6,666:1 ratio last year, reflecting CEO Brian Niccol's $95.8 million pay package versus $14,674 for the median employee. These 100 companies spent $644 billion on stock buybacks between 2019 and 2024. A majority, 56 firms, invested more in buybacks than in long-term capital improvements, with Lowe's and Home Depot leading the pack.
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