In 2024, the average compensation for CEOs in the health care industry exceeded $13 million, according to an analysis by STAT covering 275 executives. Collectively, these CEOs earned a total of $3.6 billion despite the sector's underperformance relative to the broader stock market. This trend contrasts with the modest 3.6% wage increase experienced by American workers, while CEO pay across major U.S. corporations rose by over 7.7%, reaching a median total compensation of $19 million. The health care sector, which accounts for more than $4.5 trillion in annual spending, continues to face challenges in delivering value, even as some hospitals, such as those in Massachusetts, returned to more normal operations post-pandemic. Executive pay at leading U.S. companies has accelerated at the fastest pace in four years, highlighting a growing disparity between CEO earnings and average worker wages.