Exec comp trends Executive compensation

CEO compensation increases at S&P 100 and S&P 500 companies

Median target Total Direct Compensation for CEOs at S&P 100 companies increased by 4.5% in 2025 while S&P 500 CEOs saw a slightly lower 3.6% increase.

CEO target total direct compensation | By index

Increases for same-incumbent CEO roles grew at a greater rate than market medians — target Total Direct Compensation had a 5.7% increase in the S&P 100 and a 7.2% increase in the S&P 500.

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Executive pay levels and pay programs are continuously under scrutiny by shareholders of publicly traded companies.
Mercer has Executive Compensation experts that advise clients in the United States, Canada, and dozens of other markets globally. We help clients develop the right compensation structures for their executives using a market-informed, individually tailored approach.

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CEO compensation increases at S&P 100 and S&P 500 companies

Median target Total Direct Compensation for CEOs at S&P 100 companies increased by 4.5% in 2025 while S&P 500 CEOs saw a slightly lower 3.6% increase.

CEO target total direct compensation | By index

Increases for same-incumbent CEO roles grew at a greater rate than market medians — target Total Direct Compensation had a 5.7% increase in the S&P 100 and a 7.2% increase in the S&P 500.

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