Benchmarking Executive Compensation

By Monica Sorenson, PHR, SHRM-CP, Survey Manager
Published June 17, 2025

Not only is benchmarking essential in today’s market but it’s a strategic necessity! Effective compensation programs motivate executives to achieve performance goals that position an organization for long-term success. One of the most powerful tools in navigating this challenge is benchmarking. Benchmarking ensures your compensation packages are competitive enough to attract and retain the right leaders without overextending company resources.

HR Source is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 National Executive Compensation Survey, offering the latest and most comprehensive insights into executive pay and benefits across industry, employment size, sales volume, region, state, and even metropolitan statistical areas. The survey also covers supplemental benefits and perks, reported by job group, for manufacturing, non-manufacturing, public sector, and private employers.

This year, 1,667 U.S. organizations participated in cooperation with 10 other associations of the Employer Associations of America (EAA). Survey participants contributed pay data for 9,722 executives in 47 top management positions.

• A range of industries are represented in the survey, including 40.4% in manufacturing and 59.6% in non-manufacturing. 
• 61.8% of respondents are in the Great Lakes regional breakout, which includes Illinois. 
• Market pricing is the single most frequently used method to establish executive salaries.
• 62.6% of manufacturing employers, and 75.7% of non-manufacturing employers, report having a Board of Directors. 

As always, member participants receive the report free of charge with our thanks for contributing. Non-participants and non-members can purchase a copy in our survey store. Download our 2025 survey calendar to see what we have planned for the remainder of the year. 

HR Source’s compensation analysts are available to benchmark your positions and apply survey data to help keep your organization’s executives and resources optimized. Contact us today at 800-448-4584 or info@hrsource.org.