Since the late 20th century CEO pay has exploded, widening the divide between the ultra wealthy and working class Americans. Now, Tesla CEO Elon Musk could set a new standard in CEO pay packages, becoming the first trillionaire CEO after his record breaking pay package was approved in November 2025. Tesla is not alone in this, U.S. mega-caps like Apple, Google, and Amazon are also seeing their CEOs net worth skyrocket. So what is behind these huge pay outs and how do these companies afford them?