These 8 CEOs are the Highest-Paid tech magnets of 2025

In 2025, these CEOs are more than executives, they’re household names. Their faces are seen in boardrooms and memes, their decisions move markets, and their paychecks could fund space missions at least for some.

From visionary disrupters to disciplined operators, their fame isn’t just for their fortunes, it’s because they shape how we live, work, and stream. 

1. Elon Musk – Tesla

Elon Musk earned a jaw-dropping $23.5 billion in 2025, primarily through performance-based stock options. Under his leadership, Tesla expanded into AI-driven robotics, solar storage networks, and self-driving fleets across continents. Musk’s charisma, unpredictability, and innovation obsession keep him in the public eye, whether he’s launching satellites or launching tweets. Tesla’s valuation soared under his strategy-heavy, hands-on approach, making him both the highest-paid and most watched CEO in the world.

• Salary: ~$23.5 B
  
• Achievements: Global EV expansion, autonomous vehicle breakthroughs, TeslaBot development
  
• Years as CEO: 17 (since 2008)
  

2. Tim Cook – Apple

Tim Cook received $770.5 million in 2025 as a result of his final major equity award. His steady hand led Apple to record-breaking earnings in services, wearables, and the launch of Apple Vision Pro 2.0. Cook’s leadership style, quiet yet powerful, continues to earn him respect in Silicon Valley and Wall Street alike. Under his watch, Apple’s ecosystem grew even tighter, and its brand remained the most valuable globally.

• Salary: ~$770.5 M
  
• Achievements: Record revenues, AR/VR innovation, global supply chain expansion
  
• Years as CEO: 14 (since 2011)
  

3. Jensen Huang – NVIDIA

With $561 million in total compensation, Jensen Huang reaped the rewards of leading NVIDIA’s dominance in AI chips, data centers, and automotive tech. Under Huang’s bold vision, NVIDIA became the backbone of AI infrastructure worldwide. Known for his leather jacket and deep tech passion, Huang’s execution of long-term strategy positioned the company at the center of the global AI boom.

• Salary: ~$561 M
  
• Achievements: AI GPU dominance, trillion-dollar valuation, major partnerships
  
• Years as CEO: 32 (since 1993)
  

4. Reed Hastings – Netflix

Reed Hastings brought in $453.5 million while acting as Executive Chairman of Netflix. Though no longer CEO, his ongoing influence in strategy and innovation earned him a significant payout. Under his continuing oversight, Netflix expanded further into global production and interactive content, including AI-generated series. Hastings remains the architect of the streaming age, keeping Netflix at the top despite rising competition.

• Salary: ~$453.5 M
  
• Achievements: Global content expansion, interactive and AI-based programming
  
• Years as CEO: 25 (1998–2023), Executive Chairman since 2023
  

5. Leonard Schleifer – Regeneron

Earning $452.9 million, Leonard Schleifer’s leadership at Regeneron is a case study in biotech brilliance. Under his watch, the company achieved breakthroughs in oncology, gene therapy, and mRNA technologies. A rare mix of science and strategy, Schleifer is one of the longest-tenured biotech CEOs. His pay reflects Regeneron’s stellar results and scientific innovation in an intensely competitive market.

• Salary: ~$452.9 M
  
• Achievements: Drug breakthroughs in cancer and immunology, record FDA approvals
  
• Years as CEO: 36 (since 1988)
  

6. Marc Benioff – Salesforce

Marc Benioff received $439.4 million for a year marked by innovation, acquisitions, and bold leadership. Salesforce expanded its AI-integrated CRM and made key acquisitions in data analytics. Benioff, known for his flamboyant flair and philanthropy, turned Salesforce into a tech giant with purpose. His mix of visionary thinking and aggressive growth has solidified Salesforce’s position in the enterprise tech space.

• Salary: ~$439.4 M
  
• Achievements: AI-CRM integration, major acquisitions, ESG leadership
  
• Years as CEO: 26 (since 1999)
  

7. Satya Nadella – Microsoft

Satya Nadella earned $309.4 million as he led Microsoft deeper into generative AI, cloud expansion, and enterprise dominance. His transformation of Microsoft over the last decade is one of the most celebrated in tech history. Nadella’s push for open AI collaboration, ethical tech, and hybrid work tools keeps Microsoft both modern and mission-focused.

• Salary: ~$309.4 M
  
• Achievements: Azure dominance, OpenAI partnership, generative AI rollout
  
• Years as CEO: 11 (since 2014)
  

8. Hock E. Tan – Broadcom

With $288 million in 2025 earnings, Hock Tan continues to be rewarded for smart acquisitions and Broadcom’s stronghold in the chip sector. Under his no-nonsense leadership, the company expanded its semiconductor and infrastructure software portfolio. Known for his operational intensity and financial rigor, Tan’s strategy keeps Broadcom firmly planted in high-demand tech sectors.

• Salary: ~$288 M
  
• Achievements: Strategic acquisitions, AI-chip dominance, cost-efficient growth
  
• Years as CEO: 18 (since 2006)