Business Executives

At a Glance

Are in charge of organizations from businesses to government agencies
Duties vary by size and type of organization
Frequently interact with the public, clients, and coworkers
Usually work long hours and travel often
Are responsible for outcomes
Have at least a bachelor's degree (many have a master's degree)
Have a great deal of prior work experience

Career summary

Executives run companies or government agencies.

Business executives may also be called chief executive officers (CEO), chief financial officers (CFO), chief operating officers (COO), executive directors, executive vice presidents, or senior vice presidents. Government executives are also included under this title. Small business operators are sometimes called entrepreneurs.

#from wois occs 1144, 1146, 1142

# review 3/26/19 lh

The business executive occupation covers many jobs. These positions include:

Chief executive officer
Department store manager
Government executives
Small business operator

Business executives are in charge of their organization. They create and review goals for the company. They work closely with a team of upper-level staff or assistants to achieve company goals. They meet with the managers of all the departments and get progress reports.

Business executives' duties depend on how many people are on their staff. Some executives oversee general managers in different areas. Other executives hire and train new staff. In larger organizations, they may direct one area, such as marketing, finance, or legal services.

Business executives are responsible for developing relationships with people outside the organization. Executives may give speeches at conferences or serve on the boards of community groups.

In addition, business executives oversee budgets. They use budgets to analyze how well the organization is running. Executives also negotiate contracts with outside agencies.

Government executives oversee agencies that develop laws and regulations. They may meet with citizens to learn how they feel about issues.

The government executive occupation includes many jobs. They range from city council member, mayor, and governor, all the way up to President of the United States. Some of these positions are elected. Other officials are appointed to their jobs. In smaller communities, many of these jobs may be volunteer positions.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to business executives.

Formulate policies and ensure that they are met.
Direct organization's finances and budget to keep organization operating.
Work with board members, directors, and legislators to discuss issues and set goals.
Meet frequently with staff.
Hire, train, and direct staff, including department heads.
Ensure programs or departments are run properly and projects are carried out.
Analyze operations to evaluate performance and where to make improvements or cut costs.
Establish recordkeeping systems.
Conduct or direct investigations to resolve complaints and solve problems.
Negotiate contracts with outside agencies.
Deliver speeches at meetings or conventions.
Serve on board of directors or governing boards.
Organize programs to meet goals.
Prepare reports about accomplishments. Read staff reports to review progress.
Develop laws and regulations.
Meet with constituents and determine level of support for issues.
Promote economic growth in community.
Conduct activities between United States and foreign entities to provide information and promote international interest.
Direct buying and selling of land or other investments.

Common work activities

Business executives perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Make decisions and solve problems
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Get information needed to do the job
Communicate with people outside the organization
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Develop and build teams
Develop goals and strategies
Establish and maintain relationships
Monitor and control resources
Analyze data or information
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Evaluate information against standards
Identify objects, actions, and events
Use computers
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Explain the meaning of information to others
Update and use job-related knowledge
Process information
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Coach others
Think creatively
Recruit, interview, or hire others
Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Provide advice and consultation to others
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Schedule work and activities
Perform administrative tasks
Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, business executives:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a high level of interaction with staff and the public.
Communicate by telephone, e-mail, letters, memos, and in person on a daily basis.
Regularly work as a part of team.
Occasionally speak in front of large groups.
Are extremely responsible for the outcome of work done by their staff.
Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.
Are frequently placed in conflict situations in which they must deal with angry or rude individuals.

Physical work conditions

Mostly work indoors.
May travel to and from work locations in a truck or car.

Work performance

Must be sure that all the details of the job are performed. In some cases, they make sure that their employees are following through with the details.
Must be very exact in keeping records. If a government executive could not account for where money was spent, the consequences would be serious.
Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact clients, employees, and their company's performance and reputation.
Make nearly all their decisions without consulting others.
Set their daily tasks and goals independently.
Work in a stressful and competitive environment in which daily deadlines must be met.
Often repeat the same mental or physical tasks.

Hours/travel

Usually work long hours, including evenings and weekends.
May have flexible schedules.
Travel frequently to monitor operations. They may travel nationally or internationally, depending on the size of the company.

Physical demands

Business executives frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for business executives to be able to:

Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for business executives to be able to:

Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Business executives need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand written information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.
Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Use math skills to solve problems.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Decide how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the money was used.
Manage the time of self and others.
Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Persuade others to approach things differently.
Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
Teach others how to do something.
Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a business executive, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent;
have a bachelor's degree; and
have more than five years of work experience as a manager.

Education after high school

Most business executives have at least a bachelor's degree. Many have formal training in areas related to the type of company or agency where they work. For example, an executive at a computer software company may have a degree in computer science. Some executives have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a law degree. Others have a master's degree that is specific to their area. For example, a city manager may have a degree in public administration. Some executives have general liberal arts degrees.

Work experience

While education is important for this occupation, work experience is just as important. You can prepare for this occupation in many different ways. Most business executives gain experience in the type of company or organization that they want to manage. For example, government executives may gain experience as political staff members or participants on governing boards. They also prepare by becoming known within their community. They may volunteer or participate in religious, fraternal, or social groups.

Some business executives begin in entry-level positions, with only a high school diploma or equivalent. As they learn about the company and gain skills, they work their way up. For example, business executives in retail trade or transportation are more likely to move into management positions this way.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Computer Applications
Marketing
Principles of Advertising
Principles of Sales
Public Speaking

Many business executives are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most business executives are hired for their knowledge of the industry or the issues. They are usually recognized as leaders in their field. They also are recognized for their previous performance as managers. Executives must have highly-developed personal skills. They must have a mind that can quickly assess large quantities of data. They also must be able to figure out what information is most important and how it affects others. Executives must be able to communicate clearly and be able to convince others of their ideas. Many business executives are hired from within their company.

Government executives who are elected may only need to meet age, residency, and citizenship requirements. They need to be able to inspire and motivate people to vote for them. They also need to be good at raising money for their campaigns.

Graduation from a four-year college is usually a minimum requirement for entry as a management trainee or beginning supervisor. Companies vary in their preference of backgrounds. Many look for workers trained in business administration. Others prefer technical skills such as engineering. Some background in law is becoming increasingly desirable. A well-defined idea of one's job goals and qualifications is also important. For middle and top-level positions, many companies require an advanced degree either in business administration or in an area of special skill. Several years of supervisory experience are usually necessary for these positions. Business executives with proven records are often recruited by other companies.

Tips

Participate in Junior Achievement programs and small business projects while in high school.

Costs to workers

Business executives may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. They also must buy business attire. Some must pay for continuing education courses.

Government executives and legislators may have to pay for part of their campaign expenses. There may also be filing fees when registering to run for office.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Chief Executives

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Chief executives (SOC 11-1011)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$53.95	$72.77	$99.31	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	$9,350	$12,611	$17,210	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$112,210	$151,360	$206,560	(1)	(1)
Bellingham	Hourly	$51.96	$67.93	$81.35	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	$9,005	$11,772	$14,098	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	$108,061	$141,293	$169,198	(2)	(2)
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$49.71	$62.32	$90.28	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	$8,615	$10,800	$15,646	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	$103,398	$129,635	$187,771	(2)	(2)
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$31.99	$36.80	$50.75	$70.19	(2)
	Monthly	$5,544	$6,377	$8,795	$12,164	(2)
	Yearly	$66,533	$76,552	$105,570	$146,003	(2)
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$67.51	$75.14	$94.99	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	$11,699	$13,022	$16,462	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	$140,422	$156,296	$197,577	(2)	(2)
Longview	Hourly	$38.53	$55.86	$65.91	$90.92	(2)
	Monthly	$6,677	$9,681	$11,422	$15,756	(2)
	Yearly	$80,155	$116,198	$137,094	$189,118	(2)
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$47.64	$59.08	$77.15	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	$8,256	$10,239	$13,370	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	$99,089	$122,885	$160,460	(2)	(2)
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$48.54	$55.14	$72.23	$90.98	(2)
	Monthly	$8,412	$9,556	$12,517	$15,767	(2)
	Yearly	$100,974	$114,691	$150,238	$189,234	(2)
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$68.29	$87.45	(2)	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	$11,835	$15,155	(2)	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	$142,037	$181,901	(2)	(2)	(2)
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	(2)	(2)	(2)	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	(2)	(2)	(2)	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	(2)	(2)	(2)	(2)	(2)
Vancouver	Hourly	$51.87	$82.27	(2)	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	$8,989	$14,257	(2)	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	$107,886	$171,119	(2)	(2)	(2)
Walla Walla	Hourly	$42.90	$47.38	$63.35	$85.41	(2)
	Monthly	$7,435	$8,211	$10,979	$14,802	(2)
	Yearly	$89,216	$98,550	$131,779	$177,658	(2)
Wenatchee	Hourly	$30.48	$45.72	$60.00	$82.43	(2)
	Monthly	$5,282	$7,923	$10,398	$14,285	(2)
	Yearly	$63,401	$95,087	$124,810	$171,446	(2)
Yakima	Hourly	$57.06	$70.27	$89.55	(2)	(2)
	Monthly	$9,888	$12,178	$15,519	(2)	(2)
	Yearly	$118,686	$146,156	$186,264	(2)	(2)
United States	Hourly	$32.86	$55.75	$91.15	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	$5,695	$9,661	$15,796	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$68,360	$115,960	$189,600	(1)	(1)

(1) Wages are greater than $90/hour or $187,200/year.
(2) Wage estimate is not available.

In business, pay varies based on the amount of responsibility and how long executives have worked for the firm. It also varies by the type, size, and location of the firm. For example, top managers who work for very large corporations usually earn more than those at small companies.

In government, executive pay varies widely. It may vary by the size of the government unit. It also varies by whether the position is year round or part time. States with more people, such as New York, pay more than small states, such as Arkansas. City governments tend to pay more than county.

In addition to pay, business executives receive other perks. They may receive company stocks and yearly bonuses. They may be given company cars, expense accounts, and access to executive dining rooms. Other benefits include paid health and life insurance plans. Some executives are given club memberships and limousines with drivers. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Chief Executives (SOC 11-1011)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	5,118	19.4%	16.1%	591
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	172	16.9%	13.4%	18
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	184	8.7%	8.6%	16
Benton and Franklin Counties	135	16.3%	15.0%	14
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	180	18.3%	11.9%	20
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	286	14.7%	15.2%	29
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	428	15.2%	14.1%	45
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	210	16.7%	14.6%	23
King County	2,283	24.3%	19.6%	290
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	204	16.2%	13.8%	22
Pierce County	296	16.6%	15.2%	32
Snohomish County	354	13.8%	12.4%	36
Spokane County	411	18.0%	13.9%	46
United States	263,200	-5.5%	5.2%	16,800

National employment

About 21% of business executives are self-employed. They work in almost every industry.

Major employers:

Local and state government agencies
Business management firms
Banks, savings and loans, and credit unions
Colleges and universities

Some government executives work only part of the year. They continue to work in the occupation they were in before they were elected.

National outlook

Demand is expected to decline for business executives. Competition for jobs will be very strong as there are a lot of qualified workers. Job growth varies by how well an industry is doing. Overall, more job openings should appear in service industries than manufacturing industries.

There should be very little change in the number of jobs for government executives. Few new government agencies are likely to be created. However, some new jobs may open at the local level. As the population grows, counties, cities, and towns may hire more managers.

Other resources

American Academy of Financial Management
1670 F East Cheyenne Mtn Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

American Management Association

American Public Power Association
2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22202
202.467.2900

American Road and Transportation Builders Association
250 E St SW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20024
202.289.4434

American Society for Public Administration
1730 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
202.393.7878

Americans for the Arts

Associated General Contractors of America
2300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
703.548.3118

Associated General Contractors of Washington
1200 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 301
Seattle, WA 98109
206.284.0061

Association of Washington Cities
1076 Franklin Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
800.562.8981
360.753.4137

Business Professionals of America
5454 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, OH 43231
800.334.2007
614.895.7277

Club Managers Association of America
1733 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.739.9500

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

Council of Better Business Bureaus
3033 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201
703.276.0100

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
777 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20002
800.745.8780

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
1029 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
202.628.8965

National Management Association
3055 Kettering Blvd, Suite 210
Dayton, OH 45439
937.294.0421

The United States Conference of Mayors
1620 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.293.7330

US Small Business Administration
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310

Washington Association of County Officials
206 - 10th Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501
360.753.7319

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington Small Business Development Center

Washington Society of Association Executives
1401 Marvin Road NE, Suite 307, #172
Lacey, WA 98516
866.230.3014

Washington State House of Representatives
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
360.786.7750

Washington State Senate

References

Career cluster

Business Management and Administration

Career path

Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net occupation

Chief Executives (11-1011.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

Strong Interest Inventory

Banker
Public Administrator
Research and Development Manager
Top Executive

Holland occupational cluster

Enterprising/Conventional/Social

COPSystem

Business Professional