Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
Job outlook for executives in the United States
Executive job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected executive job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 189,200 new jobs for executives are projected over the next decade.
Executive salaries have increased 3% for executives in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,475 executives currently employed in the United States.
There are 83,869 active executive job openings in the US.
The average executive salary is $108,285.
Are executive jobs in demand?
Executive job and salary trends over time
Executive jobs over time
Executive job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,475 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,526 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,623 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,340 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,739 | 0.00% |
Average executive salary over time
Executive salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $108,285 | $52.06 | +0.8% |
| 2024 | $107,417 | $51.64 | --2.7% |
| 2023 | $110,410 | $53.08 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $106,724 | $51.31 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $105,525 | $50.73 | +3.5% |
Executive jobs by state
Most common states for executives
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 643 | 93% |
| 2 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 980 | 24% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,462 | 21% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 180 | 17% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 175 | 17% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 162 | 17% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 107 | 17% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 886 | 16% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 874 | 16% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 119 | 16% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,915 | 15% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,294 | 15% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 474 | 15% |
| 14 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,774 | 14% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,063 | 14% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,260 | 13% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,170 | 13% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 769 | 13% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 179 | 13% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 439 | 12% |
Most common cities for executives
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlanta | 12 | 3% | $101,873 |
| 2 | Bethesda | 2 | 3% | $115,089 |
| 3 | Broomfield | 2 | 3% | $93,348 |
| 4 | San Francisco | 7 | 1% | $123,174 |
| 5 | Washington | 7 | 1% | $130,047 |
| 6 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $139,888 |
| 7 | Tampa | 5 | 1% | $90,911 |
| 8 | Colorado Springs | 3 | 1% | $94,394 |
| 9 | Miami | 3 | 1% | $89,650 |
| 10 | Bakersfield | 2 | 1% | $118,151 |
| 11 | Birmingham | 2 | 1% | $100,065 |
| 12 | Chicago | 7 | 0% | $98,593 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 5 | 0% | $116,009 |
| 14 | San Diego | 5 | 0% | $114,213 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $107,210 |
| 16 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $116,292 |
| 17 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $88,579 |
| 18 | New York | 3 | 0% | $131,260 |
| 19 | San Jose | 3 | 0% | $122,423 |
Executive job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of executive experts
The University of Findlay
Fordham University Gabelli School of Business
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
University of Dallas
Eastern Kentucky University
Central Connecticut State University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
What skills stand out on Executive resumes?
Christopher Sippel Ed.D.: Evidence of continued engagement with the world despite the pandemic will be important. As mentioned above, this might be in a virtual, remote way, but most organizations are seeking candidates that show a willingness to continue to move forward despite the pandemic. A commitment to a diverse number of cultures and countries is also very important. Diversifying your experience and demonstrating to potential employers that you are not one-dimensional in your international interest becomes even more important when COVID requires extreme flexibility. Additionally, evidence of intercultural communication skills are paramount. In the time of COVID, industries need recruits that already have these skills and can quickly create positive relationships with diverse international colleagues. Lastly, the resume should demonstrate an individual's engagement with technology and provide evidence of skills in creative problem solving.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Executives to find work opportunities?
Christopher Sippel Ed.D.: A silver lining to the pandemic may be that the location of an individual in many industries no longer dictates which company or organization someone can work for. When travel restrictions begin to ease, successful candidates will be willing to go wherever they are asked to go. In these challenging times, organizations will need people that are open to working where they are needed.
What experience really stands out on Executive resumes?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Knowledge and experience with sales technology tools and effectively navigating Omnichannel hybrid sales environments. Social selling and analytical skills are also highly important. Product and industry knowledge for the targeted verticals also stands out. Experience with specific industry vertical prospecting tools can be a major differentiator. Finally, important to complement the aforementioned ATS keywords are leadership and team collaboration.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Executives?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Yes, there will. Many businesses are changing their headquarters, operational infrastructure and buying communications protocols. Effective vertical prospecting, networking and selling skills will still be as important as ever as sales engagements will continue to become more complex. According to McKinsey sales engagements of course have moved mostly to digital and remote which is a trend that started before the pandemic. A McKinsey survey of B2B companies finds that, "Almost 90 percent of sales have moved to a videoconferencing(VC)/phone/web sales model, and while some skepticism remains, more than half believe this is equally or more effective than sales models used before COVID-19." (The B2B digital inflection point: How sales have changed during COVID-19) April 30, 2020 McKinsey Article)
What experience really stands out on Executive resumes?
Anthony DeFrancesco: Knowledge and experience with sales technology tools and effectively navigating Omnichannel hybrid sales environments. Social selling and analytical skills are also highly important. Product and industry knowledge for the targeted verticals also stands out. Experience with specific industry vertical prospecting tools can be a major differentiator. Finally, important to complement the aforementioned ATS keywords are leadership and team collaboration.
What Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laura Sansoni: I think taking a year between high school and college or between a bachelor's and master's degree can be incredibly beneficial if the individual approaches this time with intentional purpose. If they want to gain work experience and/or save up money for school, seeking a position with ties to a career that interests them is going to help them narrow down their academic path once they begin their higher education.
If they want to use this time to travel, they should consider documenting their experiences to reflect on their personal growth and any new skills they gain such as learning a new language. If they simply wish to take a break from their studies, take the year to explore their personal interests and hobbies by trying new things and meeting with people doing work that interests them. Lifelong, fulfilling careers stem from your passions and interests. Discovering both early will help guide them in educational pursuits as well as fulfilling work throughout their life.
What general advice would you give to an Executive?
Laura Sansoni: Whenever I work with a new graduate, I see them experiencing many emotions ranging from excitement from completing their education to anxiety about starting their careers.
For the graduates that have a job, I highly encourage them to take advantage of any opportunity presented to them. Participate in workplace events, take advantage of professional development opportunities like attending conferences or trainings, and volunteer to work on projects when asked to. Taking advantage of these opportunities in your workplace will increase your skills and experiences while deepening your connections to your colleagues and growing your personal network.
For graduates that are still looking for jobs, I remind them that the worst things that can happen in the job search are an employer saying "no", "we went with another candidate", or not responding to your application at all. While that can be scary and defeating at times, think about the positives of the situation. You didn't get the interview or the job, but you didn't lose anything either. Instead, you gained more experience in the job search process that you can improve upon for the next time. I also remind new grads to let the employers decide if they are the right fit for the job instead of counting yourself out too early. If you meet 75 percent of the qualifications in the job description, apply for the job and let the recruiter decide whether to set up an interview. Don't be so afraid of the next "no" that it prevents you from finding the next possible "yes".
Jonathan Byers
Assistant DirectorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Career and Professional Development
What skills stand out on Executive resumes?
Jonathan Byers:
- Professional skills related to career development competencies such as strong oral & written communication, teamwork & collaboration, leadership, problem-solving ability & creativity, and professional integrity, but we recommend that applicants do not just list these skills. They should provide evidence of how they have used them in their work experience, volunteer experience, academic experience, etc.
-The ability to use technology effectively to solve problems or improve collaboration; this could relate to social media management, computer hardware or software skills, proficiency with general programs like Microsoft Office Suite (also being able to demonstrate the use of these skills in various experiences).
-With diversity, equity, and inclusion becoming more important in 2020, the ability to appreciate different points of view, accept and appreciate different cultural backgrounds & types of identities, and increased awareness of one's own cultural biases and assumptions can also be important to market on a resume.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Executives to find work opportunities?
Jonathan Byers: Like most Liberal Arts graduates, people with History degrees will most likely develop a number of the professional skills mentioned above that can be applicable in many different industry areas. In today's job market, college graduates are not bound to one type of job opportunity. History majors from Virginia Tech have found employment in Higher Education, Law, Politics, Public Policy, Business, Marketing, Information Technology, Information Management, International Affairs, Local & State Government, and the Federal Government. They have found opportunities in many different locations across the United Students. A person who finds a job depends on how much they are willing to network with other professionals and be strategic and intentional with their job search strategies.
Dr. Tammy Leonard
Chair & Associate Professor, Co-Director Community Assistance ResearchUniversity of Dallas
Economics Department
What experience really stands out on Executive resumes?
Dr. Tammy Leonard: I always tell my students that the experience that stands out is the one they own. It's been tough for students to get the same "traditional" internship experience during the pandemic. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to contribute to those willing to own those responsibilities. At UD, my Community Assistance Research (CARE) group leads an academic-community partnership with local nonprofits. We have had students creating internships out of volunteer opportunities with these organizations serving the many households adversely affected by the pandemic. Even if it's a tiny part of a project or an unpaid role, students who take ownership of something ultimately exemplify leadership, responsibility, and impact. When students go off for internships, I often encourage them to check in a month or so into the engagement, and we talk about what they can own and what they are going to do with it.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Executives?
Dr. Tammy Leonard: "Some students have flourished in the online learning environment, and others have not. I fear employers may interpret these differences as indicators of something more than they are. Indeed, some students are more capable of managing their time than others, which is one factor that employers care about. Still, students also really learn in many different ways -and the sudden change in learning formats affected some learners more than others.
Also, Covid impacted the external situation of some students much more than others. The pandemic could further amplify disparities between different types of learners and students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. One way to remedy this is for employers to be very forthright in asking students how they adjusted to the changing learning environment. It's unlikely the learning environment will ever go 100% back to what it used to be, so this change (and asking about this change) is here for the next several years. Employers need to be aware of the vast heterogeneity in pandemic impacts; those differences are large and likely will endure for some time.
Employers that care about equal opportunity and diversity need to be even more aware that the landscape has changed and disparities are potentially more extensive than ever before. For example, I have one student who has moved from a solid A student to an A/B student during the pandemic. That same student is managing more than one job and relying on an old computer. Another student has moved from an A/B student to more of an A student. That student is still good, but they benefit from the fact that many exams are an open book because of the online format, and there are fewer social distractions. Employers need to seek out this information when making comparisons-now more than ever."
What Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. LIsa Gardner Ph.D.: Interviewing skills - if you don't interview well, it's hard to find a job. Coaching about these skills can be gained through university career placement offices, friends who work in HR, and role-playing with someone who will give you feedback. Be clear about your strengths and how they relate to any position you may apply for. Self-knowledge, input from those who know you best, and a tool like Clifton Strengthfinders can be helpful here. Expand your network of contacts by reaching out to friends and family members, as well as classmates. Use LinkedIn. Attend virtual job fairs and professional conferences, if possible, and network there. Ask people for their perspectives about job skills and how your match-up. Let people know that you are looking for work.
If it suits your interests, developing additional computer programming skills in Python, SQL, and R will help you open opportunities.
What Executive skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kaustav Misra Ph.D.: This pandemic taught us many things and one important thing that we have an efficiency gap.
The way of doing business will be much more technology orientated. Hence graduates should be ready to unskill and upskill their credentials. This time it is necessary to forget the old way of doing business and learn new skills to get a job or stay in a current job. Soft skills have become much more important than before, but a different soft skill set would be essential to interact with future market participants. Thus, a gap year should be utilized to unskill-upskill and enhance relevant credentials by getting into short-long term programs, training, and workshops would be highly recommended.
Dr. Vallari Chandna
Chair and Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Marketing and Management Department
What type of skills will young Executives need?
Dr. Vallari Chandna: Critically, for all graduates, expertise or interests, in sustainability will be important. The reason behind this is the shift in looking at sustainability holistically and not just as something one-person does. This would also give an edge to those with degrees, specifically in sustainability. Graduates with degrees related to sustainability will often be asked to oversee or manage these across-the-board sustainability endeavors. Also, soft skills are highly desired. The ability to be better at time management, work in teams, and have a strong work ethic, will be more desirable. These are all interconnected with remote work as well. Employees who "thrived" in the pandemic were those able to manage their work-life balance, work remotely in teams, all the while performing well. The skills are thus "transferable" to both modalities of work in this way.