CEO (Chief Executive) Salary in the UK
CEO pay depends entirely on company size. A startup CEO might take £80,000–£120,000, an SME chief executive £120,000–£180,000, a large private-company CEO £250,000–£500,000, and listed-company CEOs far more — FTSE 250 chief executives average well over £1,000,000 and FTSE 100 CEOs several million once bonuses and shares are counted. This page models take-home on a representative mid-market figure of £160,000.
On the average ceo (chief executive) salary of £160,000, you'll take home £96,586 per year or £8,049 per month after income tax and National Insurance for 2026/27.
Qualifications and Entry Requirements
No fixed route — CEOs come from finance, operations, sales, engineering and founder backgrounds. What they share is a track record of leadership and P&L responsibility; an MBA is common but not required.
Job Demand and Outlook
Every established company needs leadership, and experienced chief executives are always in demand. Owner-CEOs and founders are also among the most internationally mobile wealthy individuals, frequently relocating for lifestyle and tax reasons once a business is established or sold.
Career Path and Progression
Senior functional or divisional leadership, then chief operating officer or managing director, then CEO. For founders, the path is building and scaling the company itself.
Tax Tips for a CEO (Chief Executive)
A CEO on £160,000 is a 45% additional-rate taxpayer with no personal allowance. Owner-managers have the most planning scope of any high earner: the salary-versus-dividend mix, pension contributions, and — on a sale — Business Asset Disposal Relief and wider capital-gains planning. Founders and owner-CEOs are also the group most likely to consider non-resident or non-dom arrangements, particularly around a liquidity event; specialist advice is essential.
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CEO (Chief Executive) Pay by Level
Here is what a ceo (chief executive) earns at each stage in the UK, with approximate take home pay per month on base pay:
| Level | Salary | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Startup CEO | £90,000 | £5,230 |
| SME CEO | £130,000 | £6,724 |
| Mid-market CEO | £160,000 | £8,049 |
| Large private-company CEO | £300,000 | £14,232 |
| Listed-company CEO (base) | £600,000 | £27,482 |
Note: Listed-company CEO packages are dominated by bonus and long-term share awards, taxed as income (shares) or capital gains depending on the scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CEO earn in the UK?
It depends on company size. Startup CEOs earn £80,000–£120,000, SME chief executives £120,000–£180,000, large private-company CEOs £250,000–£500,000, and listed-company CEOs far more — FTSE 100 chief executives average several million pounds.
What does a CEO take home on £160,000?
On £160,000, take home pay is approximately £96,586 per year or £8,049 per month after income tax and National Insurance for 2026/27, before bonus or share awards.
How is CEO pay taxed in the UK?
Salary and cash bonus are taxed as employment income up to 45% plus NI. Share awards are taxed as income or capital gains depending on the scheme, and owner-CEOs can use the salary/dividend mix and, on a sale, capital-gains reliefs.
Do CEOs and founders move abroad for tax?
Owner-CEOs and founders are among the most internationally mobile wealthy individuals, and often review their residence around a business sale or major liquidity event. UK non-resident and non-dom rules are central to any such planning.
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