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The strongest move in any compensation conversation is walking in with data. Comp Check gives you an honest read on what senior leaders in your role are actually earning — built from 25 years of real executive placements, not crowd-sourced guesses.

MT
Curated by Mike Torchinsky·25 years in executive search·70K+ on LinkedIn
Dataset coverage
78
Executive roles
CEO, CFO, CTO, CPO, CRO, CHRO and more
73
Regions worldwide
London, Dubai, NY, Singapore, HK...
30
Industries covered
SaaS, FinTech, HFT, Crypto, iGaming...
7
Company size bands
Seed to S&P 500 — comp adjusts by stage
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Real Pay
The actual pay of 7,400+ executives at U.S. public companies
Industry
Region
Seniority
Gross · USD · per year
Role
Base Salary
Total Comp
Range
🔄
COO / Chief Operating Officer
General Management
Base salary$165K – $270Kmedian $210K
Total comp$198K – $378Kmedian $273K
🧭
Chief Strategy Officer
General Management
Base salary$155K – $260Kmedian $200K
Total comp$178K – $351Kmedian $250K
🌐
Chief Digital Officer
General Management
Base salary$155K – $255Kmedian $200K
Total comp$178K – $332Kmedian $245K
♟️
Head of Strategy
General Management
Base salary$165K – $275Kmedian $215K
Total comp$190K – $371Kmedian $269K
🤝
Head of M&A / Corp Dev
General Management
Base salary$175K – $290Kmedian $225K
Total comp$210K – $421Kmedian $298K
⚙️
CTO / Chief Technology Officer
Technology
Base salary$175K – $280Kmedian $225K
Total comp$201K – $378Kmedian $281K
🛡️
CISO / Chief Info Security
Technology
Base salary$175K – $270Kmedian $220K
Total comp$201K – $351Kmedian $270K
🤖
CAIO / Chief AI Officer
Technology
Base salary$160K – $260Kmedian $205K
Total comp$184K – $351Kmedian $256K
🖥️
CIO / Chief Information Officer
Technology
Base salary$160K – $260Kmedian $205K
Total comp$184K – $338Kmedian $251K
🏗️
VP Engineering
Technology
Base salary$175K – $280Kmedian $220K
Total comp$201K – $378Kmedian $275K
📉
VP Data & Analytics
Technology
Base salary$170K – $275Kmedian $215K
Total comp$195K – $371Kmedian $269K
💻
Director of Engineering
Technology
Base salary$155K – $255Kmedian $200K
Total comp$174K – $319Kmedian $237K
📊
Director of Data / Analytics
Technology
Base salary$155K – $260Kmedian $200K
Total comp$174K – $333Kmedian $240K
🔧
Director of DevOps / SRE
Technology
Base salary$160K – $260Kmedian $205K
Total comp$179K – $325Kmedian $243K
🔒
Director of Security
Technology
Base salary$165K – $265Kmedian $210K
Total comp$185K – $331Kmedian $249K
Director of QA / Testing
Technology
Base salary$135K – $220Kmedian $170K
Total comp$149K – $268Kmedian $197K
☁️
Head of Platform / Infra
Technology
Base salary$165K – $265Kmedian $210K
Total comp$185K – $339Kmedian $252K
🧠
Head of AI / ML
Technology
Base salary$175K – $285Kmedian $225K
Total comp$201K – $385Kmedian $281K
🎯
CPO / Chief Product Officer
Product & Design
Base salary$170K – $270Kmedian $215K
Total comp$195K – $365Kmedian $269K
📐
VP Product
Product & Design
Base salary$165K – $270Kmedian $210K
Total comp$190K – $365Kmedian $263K
🧭
Director of Product
Product & Design
Base salary$150K – $250Kmedian $195K
Total comp$168K – $320Kmedian $234K
✏️
Director of Design / UX
Product & Design
Base salary$140K – $225Kmedian $175K
Total comp$154K – $275Kmedian $203K
🔍
Head of UX Research
Product & Design
Base salary$130K – $210Kmedian $165K
Total comp$143K – $256Kmedian $191K
📊
CFO / Chief Financial Officer
Finance
Base salary$180K – $280Kmedian $220K
Total comp$216K – $406Kmedian $292K
📈
VP Finance
Finance
Base salary$165K – $270Kmedian $210K
Total comp$190K – $365Kmedian $263K
🧮
Controller / Chief Accounting
Finance
Base salary$150K – $250Kmedian $195K
Total comp$168K – $313Kmedian $231K
📋
Director of FP&A
Finance
Base salary$145K – $240Kmedian $185K
Total comp$162K – $300Kmedian $219K
🏦
Head of Treasury / Corp Fin
Finance
Base salary$165K – $270Kmedian $210K
Total comp$190K – $351Kmedian $257K
🔎
Head of Internal Audit
Finance
Base salary$140K – $235Kmedian $180K
Total comp$157K – $294Kmedian $213K
📢
Head of Investor Relations
Finance
Base salary$155K – $260Kmedian $200K
Total comp$174K – $333Kmedian $240K
💰
CRO / Chief Revenue Officer
Sales & Commercial
Base salary$165K – $290Kmedian $210K
Total comp$215K – $464Kmedian $305K
🤝
VP Sales
Sales & Commercial
Base salary$170K – $310Kmedian $220K
Total comp$221K – $558Kmedian $341K
📞
Director of Sales
Sales & Commercial
Base salary$145K – $260Kmedian $190K
Total comp$181K – $416Kmedian $271K
🔗
Head of Partnerships / BD
Sales & Commercial
Base salary$140K – $240Kmedian $185K
Total comp$168K – $348Kmedian $245K
💎
Head of Customer Success
Sales & Commercial
Base salary$135K – $225Kmedian $175K
Total comp$155K – $293Kmedian $214K
Director of RevOps
Sales & Commercial
Base salary$140K – $235Kmedian $180K
Total comp$161K – $306Kmedian $221K
📣
CMO / Chief Marketing Officer
Marketing
Base salary$155K – $255Kmedian $195K
Total comp$178K – $344Kmedian $244K
🎨
VP Marketing
Marketing
Base salary$155K – $255Kmedian $200K
Total comp$178K – $332Kmedian $245K
📱
Director of Marketing
Marketing
Base salary$135K – $225Kmedian $175K
Total comp$149K – $281Kmedian $206K
🚀
Head of Growth
Marketing
Base salary$145K – $250Kmedian $190K
Total comp$167K – $350Kmedian $242K
📰
Head of Communications / PR
Marketing
Base salary$125K – $210Kmedian $160K
Total comp$138K – $256Kmedian $186K
Head of Brand
Marketing
Base salary$130K – $220Kmedian $170K
Total comp$143K – $275Kmedian $200K
👥
CHRO / Chief People Officer
HR & People
Base salary$145K – $240Kmedian $185K
Total comp$167K – $312Kmedian $227K
🧑‍🤝‍🧑
VP People / HR
HR & People
Base salary$150K – $250Kmedian $195K
Total comp$173K – $325Kmedian $239K
🎯
Director of Talent Acquisition
HR & People
Base salary$130K – $220Kmedian $170K
Total comp$143K – $268Kmedian $197K
💵
Head of Total Rewards / C&B
HR & People
Base salary$140K – $235Kmedian $180K
Total comp$157K – $294Kmedian $213K
📚
Head of L&D / Learning
HR & People
Base salary$115K – $195Kmedian $150K
Total comp$127K – $234Kmedian $173K
🤲
Head of HRBP
HR & People
Base salary$125K – $215Kmedian $165K
Total comp$138K – $262Kmedian $191K
🌈
Head of DEI
HR & People
Base salary$115K – $195Kmedian $150K
Total comp$127K – $234Kmedian $173K
⚖️
CLO / General Counsel
Legal & Compliance
Base salary$170K – $275Kmedian $215K
Total comp$195K – $358Kmedian $263K
📜
Head of Legal
Legal & Compliance
Base salary$170K – $280Kmedian $220K
Total comp$195K – $364Kmedian $270K
📋
Head of Compliance
Legal & Compliance
Base salary$155K – $265Kmedian $205K
Total comp$174K – $331Kmedian $243K
⚠️
Head of Risk
Legal & Compliance
Base salary$160K – $270Kmedian $210K
Total comp$184K – $351Kmedian $257K
🔐
Head of AML / KYC
Legal & Compliance
Base salary$150K – $255Kmedian $195K
Total comp$168K – $319Kmedian $231K
🏛️
Director of Regulatory
Legal & Compliance
Base salary$145K – $245Kmedian $190K
Total comp$162K – $306Kmedian $225K
🛡️
Data Protection Officer / DPO
Legal & Compliance
Base salary$135K – $225Kmedian $175K
Total comp$149K – $275Kmedian $203K
VP Operations
Operations
Base salary$160K – $265Kmedian $205K
Total comp$184K – $345Kmedian $251K
🔄
Director of Operations
Operations
Base salary$140K – $235Kmedian $180K
Total comp$157K – $294Kmedian $213K
🚚
Head of Supply Chain
Operations
Base salary$145K – $245Kmedian $190K
Total comp$162K – $306Kmedian $225K
📦
Head of Procurement
Operations
Base salary$140K – $235Kmedian $180K
Total comp$157K – $294Kmedian $213K
🏢
Head of Workplace / Facilities
Operations
Base salary$110K – $190Kmedian $145K
Total comp$121K – $228Kmedian $167K
🗄️
CDO / Chief Data Officer
Data & Analytics
Base salary$165K – $265Kmedian $210K
Total comp$190K – $345Kmedian $257K
📊
Head of BI / Analytics
Data & Analytics
Base salary$140K – $235Kmedian $180K
Total comp$157K – $294Kmedian $213K
🔬
Head of Data Science
Data & Analytics
Base salary$165K – $270Kmedian $210K
Total comp$190K – $351Kmedian $257K
⛏️
Head of Data Engineering
Data & Analytics
Base salary$155K – $255Kmedian $200K
Total comp$174K – $319Kmedian $237K
All figures shown are gross (pre-tax) compensation in USD per year. Data reflects market intelligence from TopHeads (25 years, 1,000+ executive placements). Figures are ranges based on public data and placement history. Individual compensation varies based on company stage, equity, and negotiation. For net take-home estimates after tax, use the Comp Check calculator.
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What executive compensation really includes

Executive compensation at the $150K+ level is rarely just a base salary. A real offer for a senior leader usually spans five or six distinct components, and understanding each one is essential before negotiating or accepting a package.

Base salary is the fixed annual cash payment — the headline number most people focus on. For C-suite roles at mid-market companies ($100M–$500M revenue), base salaries typically range from $180K to $400K depending on role, region, and industry.

Annual bonus is performance-linked cash, usually expressed as a percentage of base. CEO and CFO bonuses commonly run 30%–60% of base in large companies; in early-stage startups, they may be replaced entirely by equity.

Equity and LTIP (long-term incentive plans) are often the largest single component for senior executives at growth-stage companies — stock options, RSUs, performance shares, or phantom equity. A CTO joining a Series C startup might see a $250K base but equity worth multiples of that over four years.

Sign-on bonuses, relocation packages, and severance guarantees round out the picture. For cross-border executive moves — a common TopHeads use case — these components can make or break the deal.

TopHeads Comp Check gives you a starting point for all of these across 66 executive roles, 18 industries, and 53 regions worldwide — grounded in 25 years of real executive search placements.

How to use this page

The Explorer tab lets you browse market compensation ranges by role, industry, and region. Pick your filters and see base salary, total compensation, and typical ranges side by side. Use it to scan the market before negotiating, or to benchmark a role you are considering.

The Calculator tab runs a personalized comp estimate based on your specific inputs — role, seniority, industry, and location — and returns a tailored range you can use as a negotiation anchor.

AI Advisor (coming soon) will provide personalized negotiation guidance for Select candidates — based on your current package and target market, with tailored advice on leverage points, counteroffers, and positioning.

Why trust TopHeads data

TopHeads Comp Check is curated by Mike Torchinsky, founder of TopHeads. Mike has 25 years of executive search experience across financial services, technology, and professional services. His LinkedIn network spans 70,000+ senior executives across EMEA, Asia, and the Americas.

Unlike crowd-sourced salary databases, TopHeads data is grounded in actual executive placements, direct market observation, and ongoing conversations with hiring companies. The benchmark is updated regularly and refined as market conditions shift.

Frequently asked questions

What is an executive compensation benchmark?

An executive compensation benchmark is a data reference showing typical pay ranges for senior leadership roles across comparable companies, industries, and regions. It is used by candidates preparing for salary negotiations, boards setting executive pay, and hiring companies calibrating offers. TopHeads Comp Check focuses specifically on the $150K+ executive tier — CEO, CFO, CTO, COO, Chief Product Officer, and 60+ other C-suite and VP roles.

How much does a CEO earn?

CEO compensation varies enormously by company size, industry, and region. At mid-market companies ($100M–$500M revenue) in major financial centers, CEO base salaries typically range from $300K to $600K, with total compensation (base plus bonus and equity) often reaching $800K to $2M or more. Use the Explorer tab above to see ranges filtered by your specific industry and region.

What is the difference between base salary and total compensation?

Base salary is the fixed annual cash payment. Total compensation includes base plus annual bonus, long-term incentives (equity, stock options, LTIP), sign-on bonuses, and the cash value of benefits. For C-suite roles, total compensation is often 1.5x to 3x base salary, driven mostly by equity or long-term incentive plans.

How do executive bonuses typically work?

Executive bonuses are typically tied to a mix of company performance (revenue, EBITDA, specific KPIs) and individual targets set annually. Target bonus is expressed as a percentage of base salary — commonly 25%–50% for VP-level roles and 40%–100% for C-suite roles. Actual payouts depend on performance against targets and board discretion.

Why does location matter so much for executive pay?

Executive compensation varies dramatically by location due to cost of living, local tax structures, talent supply, and market maturity. A CFO in London may earn significantly more than the same role in Warsaw, while a CTO in Dubai may command a premium due to tax advantages and limited senior technology talent. TopHeads Comp Check covers 53 regions to capture these differences.

How does industry affect executive compensation?

Industry is one of the strongest drivers of executive pay. Quantitative finance, high-frequency trading, and private equity typically pay at the top end of the market. SaaS, FinTech, and crypto sit in the upper-middle. Traditional manufacturing, public sector, and non-profit roles sit lower. Equity structures and carry also differ dramatically across industries.

Is TopHeads Comp Check really free?

Yes. Both Explorer and Calculator are completely free to use with no signup required. There is no paywall, no email capture, and no account needed. TopHeads monetizes through its executive recruitment platform — not through data access.

How often is the data updated?

TopHeads Comp Check data is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current market conditions. Revisions happen as Mike Torchinsky and the TopHeads team observe shifts in real executive placements across the search practice.

Executive roles covered

TopHeads Comp Check covers compensation data for the full executive stack, including:

General Management: CEO, COO, Chief Strategy Officer, Managing Director, Head of M&A, Head of Strategy.

Technology & Engineering: CTO, CISO, CIO, Chief AI Officer, VP Engineering, VP Data & Analytics, Director of DevOps, Head of Platform.

Product & Design: Chief Product Officer, VP Product, Director of Product, Director of Design, Head of UX Research.

Finance: CFO, Chief Accounting Officer, VP Finance, Head of FP&A, Head of Treasury, Head of Investor Relations.

Sales & Marketing: CRO, CMO, VP Sales, VP Marketing, Head of Growth, Head of Partnerships.

People & Legal: CHRO, Chief People Officer, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Head of Talent.

Data is available across industries including SaaS, FinTech, Investment Banking, Hedge Funds, HFT / Quantitative Trading, Private Equity, Crypto, Big Tech, E-commerce, iGaming, HealthTech, Insurance, Energy, Consulting, Manufacturing, Telecom, Media, and PropTech — and across regions spanning London, Dubai, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Paris, Tel Aviv, Zurich, and 39 others.

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AI comp advisor · 25 years of placements