AI Boom Elevates CTO and CHRO Pay in Public Companies

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) are increasingly among the highest-paid executives at public companies, according to PR Newswire. From 2021 to 2025, the number of CTOs named as Named Executive Officers (NEOs) in the Russell 3000 rose by 61%, while CHROs increased by 55%.

The report attributes these shifts to the growing importance of digital transformation and workforce management. Meanwhile, business unit leaders saw a 15% decline in representation among top-paid executives over the same period. Legal roles also gained prominence, rising 21% as boards placed greater emphasis on governance and compliance.

Among S&P 500 companies, gender pay data showed that female Chief Marketing Officers earned nearly 40% more than their male counterparts in 2025. However, male NEOs overall continued to earn more than female NEOs—8% more in the S&P 500 and 12% more in the Russell 3000.

Median NEO compensation increased by 8% in the Russell 3000 from 2024 to 2025, compared with a 5% rise in the S&P 500. Large-cap companies focused pay increases on roles connected to enterprise-wide risk and control, particularly CHROs and Chief Legal Officers.