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What Does it Take to Be a Chief Executive?

Chief Executive Job Description 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.

List of Chief Executive Job Duties

  • Appoint department heads or managers and assign or delegate responsibilities to them.
  • Organize or approve promotional campaigns.
  • Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
  • Review and analyze legislation, laws, or public policy and recommend changes to promote or support interests of the general population or special groups.
  • Administer programs for selection of sites, construction of buildings, or provision of equipment or supplies.
  • Prepare bylaws approved by elected officials and ensure that bylaws are enforced.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Chief Executive?

Below is a list of the skills most Chief Executives say are important on the job.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Types of Chief Executive Jobs

  • Aeronautics Commission Director
  • Chancellor
  • U.S. Commissioner
  • Music Publisher
  • Top Executive

Job Opportunities for Chief Executives

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 308,900 jobs in the United States for Chief Executive. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Chief Executive. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 20,000 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Chief Executive are Washington, Utah, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Ohio, or Pennsylvania. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Chief Executive

Chief Executives make between $68,360 and $208,000 a year.

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Chief Executives who work in California, District of Columbia, or Georgia, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Chief Executives in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $204,590
Alaska $179,630
Arizona $194,360
Arkansas $126,960
California $228,270
Colorado $198,130
Connecticut $210,650
District of Columbia $247,500
Florida $187,870
Georgia $218,590
Hawaii $201,680
Idaho $94,470
Illinois $230,070
Indiana $148,730
Iowa $211,560
Kansas $172,100
Kentucky $152,670
Louisiana $208,110
Maine $152,780
Maryland $198,260
Massachusetts $221,810
Michigan $206,660
Minnesota $195,320
Mississippi $112,310
Missouri $167,980
Montana $132,400
Nebraska $220,950
Nevada $215,590
New Hampshire $180,250
New Jersey $233,050
New York $220,040
North Carolina $210,050
North Dakota $172,900
Ohio $201,100
Oklahoma $157,540
Oregon $212,290
Pennsylvania $231,120
Rhode Island $242,350
South Carolina $182,760
South Dakota $251,950
Tennessee $152,730
Texas $239,680
Utah $165,020
Vermont $136,410
Virginia $228,540
Washington $220,730
West Virginia $153,880
Wisconsin $154,820
Wyoming $131,020

What Tools do Chief Executives Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chief Executives may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Project
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software

How do I Become a Chief Executive?

Learn what Chief Executive education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Chief Executive?

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Chief Executives Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Chief Executive might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Chief Executive sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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