Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Chief Executive Officers (also known as CEOs) head large businesses and corporate enterprises. They steer the direction of the organisation and report to the Board of Directors.

As a CEO you are responsible for the overall profitability, success and compliance of the organisation, and your daily job role will be spent delegating and planning. You could be developing a strategic plan, overseeing an acquisition or merger, representing your company at a trade conference, or addressing a general staff meeting.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $234,000
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a chief executive officer (ceo)?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Applied Entrepreneurship
Online
24 months
$58,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Entrepreneur Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Small Business Owner
Sales Manager
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Entrepreneur Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Small Business Owner Sales Manager + 1 more
BSB60420

Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management
Online
18 months
$0 - $8,568
  • At least 2 years work experience in a related field OR
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above from the BSB Training Package
Additional requirements may apply.
Human Resources Manager Senior Administrator General Manager
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Area Manager Regional Manager Talent Acquisition Specialist Team Administrator Creative Entrepreneur Chief Innovation Officer Plant Supervisor Plant Manager Duty Manager (Police Force) Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Change And Communications Manager Executive Director Mining Manager HR Business Partner Change Management Consultant Advertising Executive Development Manager Director of Education IT Director Global Management Consultant Chief of Police Digital Transformation Manager Chief Data Officer Innovation Consultant Chief Information Officer Research and Development Manager Business Architect Compliance Manager IT Operations Manager Education Manager Employee Relations Manager Company Director
+ 33 more
BSB80320

Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
3 - 48 months
$0 - $31,050
  • At least 5 years work experience in a related field OR
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above in related fields of study and 3 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience OR
  • Completed Bachelor degree in related fields of study and 2 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience.
Additional requirements may apply.
Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Service Director Innovation Strategist Cluster Manager Chief Operating Officer (COO) Partnerships Manager Executive Director Foreign Service Officer Strategy Manager Global Management Consultant
+ 10 more
  • At least 5 years work experience in a related field OR
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above in related fields of study and 3 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience OR
  • Completed Bachelor degree in related fields of study and 2 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience.
  • Completed Bachelor degree in related fields of study and 2 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience.
Additional requirements may apply.
Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Service Director Innovation Strategist Cluster Manager Chief Operating Officer (COO) Partnerships Manager Executive Director Foreign Service Officer Strategy Manager Global Management Consultant + 10 more

Master of Business Administration
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 24 months
$0 - $106,650
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Company Director
Managing Director Cluster Manager Engagement Manager Strategy Consultant Partnerships Manager Executive Director Strategy Manager Change Management Consultant Development Manager Global Management Consultant
+ 10 more

Master of Business Administration (Leadership)
Blended, On Campus, Online
18 months
$0 - $60,194
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) General Manager
Policy Manager
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) General Manager Policy Manager + 1 more

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)
On Campus
6 months
$0 - $22,656
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Master of Management
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 48 months
$0 - $64,630
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) General Manager Managing Director
Operations Manager Chief Operating Officer (COO)
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) General Manager Managing Director Operations Manager Chief Operating Officer (COO) + 2 more

Executive Master of Business Administration
On Campus
12 - 23 months
$0 - $70,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
General Manager Executive Director Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Management Consultant Executive Manager Business Architect
+ 5 more

Master of Leadership
Blended, Online
12 - 18 months
$0 - $27,335
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Business Leader Operations Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Managing Director Development Manager Leadership Coach
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Business Leader Operations Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Managing Director Development Manager Leadership Coach + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Board Member

Board Members oversee corporate governance, appointing leadership, participating in strategy, and monitoring financial performance of the organisation.

Avg yearly income $149,968
Skill level Advanced

Senior Administrator

Senior Administrators, including Auditors and Company Secretaries, oversee accounting and risk management, reporting to the Board on compliance and efficiency.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Advanced

General Manager

A General Manager oversees an organisation's profitability and operations, leading departmental managers and handling budgeting and contracts.

Avg yearly income $156,000
Skill level Advanced

Resilience Officer

A Resilience Officer ensures business continuity by overseeing disaster recovery and crisis management while addressing operational disruptions.

Avg yearly income $67,600
Skill level Advanced

Chief Innovation Officer

A Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) leads strategic initiatives for innovation, identifies trends, and collaborates with leaders to implement new technologies.

Avg yearly income $156,000
Skill level Advanced

Executive Director

An Executive Director leads an organisation by managing its strategic direction, implementing policies, ensuring financial stability, and representing it externally.

Avg yearly income $156,000
Skill level Advanced

Chief Information Officer

A Chief Information Officer (CIO) oversees technology strategy, aligning IT with business goals and driving digital transformation across sectors.

Avg yearly income $249,600
Skill level Advanced

Company Director

A Company Director oversees a company's strategy and governance, ensuring compliance, financial stability, and guiding senior management.

Avg yearly income $156,000
Skill level Advanced

Managing Director

A Managing Director leads a company's operations and strategy, focusing on policies, staff management, and financial stability to achieve growth.

Avg yearly income $239,980
Skill level Advanced

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) leads an organisation's marketing strategy, driving brand awareness and revenue growth through innovative campaigns.

Avg yearly income $169,000
Skill level Advanced

Chief Project Officer

A Chief Project Officer directs an organisation's project portfolio, aligning initiatives with business goals and ensuring successful project delivery.

Avg yearly income $156,000
Skill level Advanced

Finance Director

A Finance Director manages an organisation's financial health, overseeing budgets, reporting, compliance, and strategy to ensure stability and growth.

Avg yearly income $245,024
Skill level Advanced

Executive Manager

An Executive Manager leads an organisation's strategy and operations, focusing on achieving goals, managing teams, and optimising resources.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Advanced

Engineering Director

An Engineering Director leads engineering projects and teams, focusing on strategic planning, innovation, and ensuring timely project completion.

Avg yearly income $145,600
Skill level Advanced

Corporate Services Manager

Corporate Services Managers oversee daily operations and business administration, leading teams in finance, HR, compliance, and strategic planning.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Advanced

IT Director

An IT Director oversees an organisation's IT strategy and operations, managing systems, budgets, and security while leading a team of IT professionals.

Avg yearly income $219,960
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much do CEOs earn?

In Australia, the salary range of a CEO can vary greatly. Many CEOs negotiate their own salary package with bonuses (based on performance) paid in company shares and business equity.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for CEOs?

There are currently 30,800 CEOs employed in Australia right now and this job role declined over the last 5 years. CEOs lead large business, government departments and corporate enterprises in all industries and employment sectors.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a CEO?

CEOs normally have formal qualifications in their industry or employment sector but they also need C-level skills in business administration, corporate planning and leadership. To expand your employment options and salary range try the Diploma of Leadership and Management, the Advanced Diploma of Business, and the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership. Many CEOs are degree qualified.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

The Power Of Delegation

1st June 2019)

What are the Top 3 Skills of an Executive Assistant?

21st December 2022)

What can you do with a Diploma of Business?

3rd March 2021)