CEO pay at top American companies rose to a median of $16.8 million in 2024. This was a 7.4% rise from just the year before, and it's part of a long-term trend that's been going on for decades. Meanwhile, the average worker's pay rose by less than 4% in the same period, which is not enough to keep up with inflation. Numbers like these matter in debates about inequality, corporate governance, and worker morale. This article breaks down how executives are paid, how their pay has changed over time, and how ...