Top CEOs made approximately 285 times what workers earned in 2024 according to recent AFL-CIO data, though other sources report varying ratios depending on the year and methodology.
Mostly True
Top CEOs now make an average of 285x what workers make.
CEOs now make 399 times more than the average worker - Fast Company
Source: fastcompany.com
At a glance
Verified August 15, 2025Key Evidence
AFL-CIO's 2024 report states top CEOs made on average 285 times what workers earn.
aflcio.orgaflcio.orgNew AFL-CIO Report: Nation’s Top CEOs Made 285 Times Workers’ Pay in 2024 -...
Economic Policy Institute reported a higher ratio of 399 times in 2021.
fastcompany.comfastcompany.comCEOs now make 399 times more than the average worker
epi.orgepi.orgCEO pay has skyrocketed 1,460% since 1978: CEOs were paid 399 times as much as a...
Variations in reported ratios reflect differences in methodology and year-to-year changes in CEO compensation and worker wages.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
The claim that top CEOs now make an average of 285 times what workers make aligns closely with the most recent data from the AFL-CIO for the year 2024. According to the AFL-CIO's report, S&P 500 CEOs earned on average about $18.9 million in total compensation, which is roughly 285 times the average worker's pay.aflcio.orgaflcio.orgNew AFL-CIO Report: Nation’s Top CEOs Made 285 Times Workers’ Pay in 2024 -... This figure is supported by a social media statement from Colorado AFL-CIO reiterating the same ratio.
x.comx.comColorado AFL-CIO ✊ on X: "The working class is fed up with a system where greedy...
However, other reputable sources show different ratios depending on the year and calculation methods. For example:
The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reported a CEO-to-worker pay ratio of about 399 times in 2021.fastcompany.comfastcompany.comCEOs now make 399 times more than the average worker
epi.orgepi.orgCEO pay has skyrocketed 1,460% since 1978: CEOs were paid 399 times as much as a...
The Guardian cited a ratio of 351 times in a prior year.theguardian.comtheguardian.comAmerican CEOs make 351 times more than workers. In 1965 it was 15 to one
AP News reported nearly 200 times for a recent year, reflecting some variation depending on data scope and timing.apnews.comapnews.comCEOs made nearly 200 times what their workers got paid last year
These discrepancies arise because CEO pay ratios fluctuate yearly due to changes in stock awards, bonuses, and worker wage growth. Additionally, different organizations use varying methodologies, some count realized stock gains while others count granted stock awards.
In summary, the figure of 285 times is accurate for 2024 per AFL-CIO's latest report but should be understood as one estimate within a range of reported CEO-to-worker pay multiples that have varied from about 200 to nearly 400 in recent years.
Primary trail
Verified Sources7
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