EconomyCEO pay is up 1,300% since 1978. Why has worker pay grown just 28%?

A new report says the pay divide between CEOs and employees widened sharply in 2025, with top executives earning 325 times the typical worker’s pay. Since 1978, CEO compensation has risen more than 1,300%, compared with only 28% growth for workers. Separately, 93% of US residents surveyed by mayors said the cost of living had worsened over the past year, citing pressure from housing, groceries and childcare.