CEOs Now Earn 272 Times the Average Worker's Pay

CEO compensation in 2022 was significantly higher than workers' pay, continuing the pay disparity trend in the last decade. This has increased strikes and labor actions demanding better pay and conditions. According to the AFL-CIO's annual Executive Paywatch report, CEO paychecks have increased by an average of $5 million over the last decade, reaching an average compensation of $16.7 million in 2022. In contrast, workers earn 272 times less than their CEOs, suggesting that an average worker would need five lifetimes to match a CEO's earnings. The report also revealed that the largest pay ratio was found in the communication services sector, where CEOs earn 508 times more than workers. These findings come amid slowing wage growth for workers, even as inflation persists. Meanwhile, predictions of a 'richcession' have proven false, with the wealthiest Americans maintaining a larger share of wealth.