There are currently an estimated 308,900 chief executives in the United States. The chief executive job market is expected to shrink by -3.9% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are chief executives?

CareerExplorer rates chief executives with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will lose -8,000 chief executives. That number is based on the retirement of 4,100 existing chief executives.

Are chief executives in demand?

The employment outlook for chief executives is expected to vary widely by industry. The rate of growth in each industry will largely determine the demand and number of available positions. Overall growth will be driven by expansion of existing businesses and the start-up of new organizations. Very strong competition for all top executive jobs will be driven by the high pay levels and prestige associated with these positions. The merging of companies may inhibit openings, as most organizations employ only one chief executive. Many executives who leave their jobs transfer to other top-level positions, a pattern that tends to limit openings for new entrants to the occupation. Chief executives with an advanced degree, extensive managerial experience, and proven results-focused leadership will have the best job prospects. In an increasingly global economy, familiarity with international economics and marketing and knowledge of foreign languages are also valued assets for job seekers. Those who have earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) will typically be most attractive to large companies in both the public and private sectors. The Certified Manager (CM) credential, voluntary certification obtained through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers, may further enhance candidates’ employability.

What’s the supply of chief executives?

The chief executive industry is concentrated in California, Florida, Illinois

Chief Executive job market by state

State Name Employed Chief Executives
California 30,430
Florida 19,350
Illinois 13,920
New York 12,440
Massachusetts 9,790
Pennsylvania 7,680
Arizona 7,170
Georgia 6,480
Minnesota 6,240
Virginia 6,080
Tennessee 5,830
Oklahoma 5,580
Washington 5,390
Wisconsin 5,160
Ohio 4,990
Indiana 4,910
Texas 4,670
Utah 4,340
Missouri 4,270
Kansas 4,210
Michigan 3,990
North Carolina 3,820
Kentucky 3,440
South Carolina 2,930
Puerto Rico 2,550
District of Columbia 2,140
Arkansas 2,140
Oregon 1,940
Iowa 1,710
Maryland 1,670
Hawaii 1,520
Connecticut 1,450
Alabama 1,120
Nevada 1,070
West Virginia 990
Maine 890
Louisiana 790
Nebraska 780
New Hampshire 760
Mississippi 710
Alaska 680
North Dakota 640
Colorado 640
New Jersey 640
South Dakota 520
Montana 450
Guam 420
Vermont 410
Rhode Island 350
Delaware 320
Wyoming 140
Virgin Islands, U.S. 130
New Mexico 70