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How to Become a C-Suite Executive
Every route into running a function, or a company, with the numbers on your name.
Median pay is the midpoint of 39 recent C-Suite Executive postings in that index that published a salary range — not a national average.
Where are you starting? (no signup)
Every route in
Climb the operating ladder
144 months · about $0
- 1
Lead a team and own its numbers
Months 1–48
- Team Supervision
- Stakeholder Communication
- 2
Run a whole function
Months 49–96
- 3
Carry strategy to the board
Months 97–144
- Corporate Strategy
- Board Reporting
- Financial Modeling
MBA and a step up
96 months · about $120k
- 1
Build four years of operating experience
Months 1–48
- Team Supervision
- Stakeholder Communication
- 2
Full-time MBA
Months 49–72
- Corporate Strategy
- Financial Modeling
- 3
Post-MBA leadership role
Months 73–96
- P&L Ownership
- Board Reporting
- Org Design
Found or join something small
60 months · about $0
- 1
Build the thing and sell it yourself
Months 1–24
- Corporate Strategy
- Stakeholder Communication
- 2
Hire past yourself
Months 25–60
- Org Design
- P&L Ownership
- Financial Modeling
