Update (10/01/2018): This graphic now uses BICS as the industry classification standard for companies, rather than GICS.
Correction (09/24/2018): Due to data parsing errors and dual-class shares, a previous version of this graphic computed incorrect median and lowest CEO pay ratios. The search function was broken for four companies.
Correction (03/23/2018): A previous version of this graphic omitted the real estate sector, and misreported the CEO’s total compensation for W.W. Grainger, Inc.
Methodology: The CEO pay ratio is the as-reported figure for a CEO’s annual compensation, compared with the pay of the median employee, which takes into account full- and part-time workers worldwide, as disclosed by the company. Median pay reported by companies may or may not include benefits such as pensions, retirement contributions, etc. in addition to salary. The ratios are sourced from company filings for the S&P 500 and Russell 1000 members and are updated twice daily. Financials, sector and full-time employee count come from data compiled by Bloomberg.