The Highest Paid CEOs in the World in 2025

In 2025, the landscape of executive compensation continues to break records. The highest paid CEOs in the world are not only leading some of the biggest companies but are also earning staggering amounts that dwarf the average worker's salary. With stock options, performance bonuses, and other incentives, these CEOs are redefining what it means to be at the top of the corporate ladder.

Who Are the Highest Paid CEOs in 2025?

Here’s a closer look at the top 5 highest paid CEOs in 2025, based on verified reports and public company filings.

1. Rick Smith – Axon Enterprise

Total Compensation: $165 million
Rick Smith, the CEO of Axon Enterprise (maker of Tasers and police body cameras), tops the list of highest paid CEOs in the world. His earnings are largely tied to long-term stock options and performance-based rewards. As Axon’s stock has soared over the years, so has Smith’s compensation. His base salary remains modest, but his equity-based incentives pushed his total earnings to an astounding $165 million.

2. Lawrence Culp Jr. – General Electric

Total Compensation: $89 million
As the head of General Electric, Larry Culp’s leadership during the company’s aerospace transformation has been rewarded heavily. His 2025 compensation package includes significant stock-based bonuses, making him one of the highest paid CEOs globally.

3. Stephen Schwarzman – Blackstone

Total Compensation: $84 million
Private equity titan Stephen Schwarzman remains a permanent fixture on the list of the highest paid CEOs in the world. His firm’s continued success in real estate and asset management has resulted in a compensation package totaling $84 million.

4. Tim Cook – Apple Inc.

Total Compensation: $75 million
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, continues to rank among the highest paid CEOs thanks to performance-based stock awards and Apple’s consistent profitability. Despite reducing his base salary in recent years, Cook’s equity gains remain impressive.

5. Joseph Bae & Scott Nuttall – KKR

Total Compensation (each): $73–64 million
Co-CEOs of global investment firm KKR, Joseph Bae and Scott Nuttall, have both made the top 10 list. With combined leadership, they’ve overseen strong portfolio growth and firm expansion, resulting in some of the most lucrative pay packages in the financial sector.

Why Are These CEOs Paid So Much?

The compensation of the highest paid CEOs in the world is often based on:

• Performance Metrics: Shareholder returns, company growth, and profitability.

• Stock Options & Equity Grants: Most packages are stock-heavy, aligning CEO incentives with long-term company performance.

• Competition for Talent: Boards often justify large paychecks as necessary to retain top talent in competitive industries.

Key Trends in CEO Compensation

• Stock-based Pay Dominates: In 2025, over 70% of total CEO compensation came from stock awards and options.

• Tech and Finance Lead: CEOs in tech and finance are consistently among the top earners.

• Performance Linkage: Most high earnings are tied to hitting aggressive long-term performance milestones.

Final Thoughts

The highest paid CEOs in 2025 are earning at historic levels, with compensation plans that reflect not just their leadership but also the performance of the companies they guide. While these paychecks continue to spark debates around income inequality, they also highlight how success at the executive level is being measured and rewarded in a results-driven global economy.

Whether you're an investor, business professional, or simply curious about corporate leadership, the rise of the highest paid CEOs in the world offers a glimpse into the evolving nature of executive power and reward.