How Much Does The Ceo Of Boeing Make

Ever wondered what the bigwigs at Boeing, the folks who bring us those massive metal birds we call airplanes, are raking in? Let's dive in, shall we?

Meet David Calhoun, Boeing's CEO

So, who's this guy? David Calhoun, that's who. He's been at the helm of Boeing since January 2020, steering the company through some pretty rough skies, but more on that later.

What's a CEO's Salary Like?

Alright, let's get down to business. In 2020, Calhoun's total compensation was a cool $23.4 million. Now, before you gasp and clutch your pearls, let's break it down.

His base salary was a mere (I say mere, but it's still a lot) $1.4 million. But here's where it gets interesting. The rest? That's mostly stock awards and incentive plan compensation. In fact, in 2020, Boeing's board of directors awarded Calhoun a $7 million cash bonus for, among other things, helping Boeing navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the 737 MAX crisis.

Why So Much?

Now, you might be thinking, "That's a lot of zeros. What's he doing to deserve all that?" Well, being a CEO of a major corporation is no walk in the park. It's like being the captain of a massive ship, responsible for thousands of lives and billions of dollars.

Calhoun's job involves making big decisions, navigating complex regulatory waters, and keeping shareholders happy. It's a high-stakes game, and the pay reflects the risk and responsibility. Plus, Boeing's a big company. In 2020, it had revenues of over $58 billion. So, while Calhoun's compensation might seem astronomical, it's a tiny fraction of the company's total earnings.

How Does It Compare?

Let's put it in perspective. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the average CEO-to-worker compensation ratio in the U.S. is around 351:1. That means the average CEO makes 351 times more than the average worker. At Boeing, that ratio is even higher. In 2020, Calhoun's compensation was about 1,000 times the median employee compensation at Boeing.

Departing Boeing CEO gets nearly $33 million in 2023 total compensation

But here's a fun fact to make you feel better about the world: Calhoun's compensation is actually less than what some other CEOs in the aerospace and defense industry made in 2020. For instance, the CEO of Lockheed Martin took home around $25 million.

So, Is It Worth It?

That's a tough one. It depends on who you ask. Some might say it's a fair reflection of the job's demands and the value Calhoun brings to Boeing. Others might argue that it's too much, given the challenges Boeing's been facing and the fact that many workers at the company aren't paid nearly as much.

But hey, that's capitalism for you. It's a complex system with its own set of rules and rewards. And while we might not all agree with the outcomes, it's fascinating to peek behind the curtain and see how the sausage is made, so to speak.

So, there you have it. That's what the CEO of Boeing makes. Now, go ahead, impress your friends at the next dinner party with your newfound knowledge. Just don't mention the fact that you learned it from reading an article on the internet. Some things are best left unsaid.