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 Innovation Consultant Business Development Manager E-Commerce Manager
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Entrepreneur Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Small Business Owner Sales Manager Innovation Consultant Business Development Manager E-Commerce Manager + 4 more
BSB50420

Diploma of Leadership and Management
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 24 months
$0 - $8,300
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Team Leader Project Manager Operations Manager
Business Manager General Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Human Resources Manager Sales Manager Customer Service Manager
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Team Leader Project Manager Operations Manager Business Manager General Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Human Resources Manager Sales Manager Customer Service Manager + 6 more
BSB50120

Diploma of Business
Blended, Online
12 months
$1,499 - $6,422
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Office Manager Business Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Business Development Manager Administration Manager Operations Manager Program Coordinator
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Office Manager Business Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Business Development Manager Administration Manager Operations Manager Program Coordinator + 4 more
BSB80320

Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership
Blended, Online
18 months
$12,995
  • 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.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Partnerships Manager Executive Director
Foreign Service Officer Strategy Manager Global Management Consultant Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Service Director Innovation Strategist Cluster Manager
+ 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.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Partnerships Manager Executive Director Foreign Service Officer Strategy Manager Global Management Consultant Senior Administrator General Manager Board Member Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Service Director Innovation Strategist Cluster Manager + 10 more
AMP80215

Graduate Diploma of Agribusiness
On Campus
12 months
$25,000
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above relevant to an agrifood industry OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Livestock Manager Agricultural Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Compliance Manager
+ 1 more
  • Completed Diploma (AQF Level 5) or above relevant to an agrifood industry OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Livestock Manager Agricultural Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Compliance Manager + 1 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.
Cluster Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Company Director Managing Director Global Management Consultant Strategy Manager Change Management Consultant Development Manager Executive Director Partnerships Manager Engagement Manager Strategy Consultant
+ 10 more

Master of Business Administration (Leadership)
Blended, On Campus, Online
18 months
$44,400 - $60,194
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Policy Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
General Manager
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Policy Manager Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) General Manager + 1 more

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)
On Campus
6 months
$21,120 - $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
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Board Member

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Senior Administrator

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General Manager

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Resilience Officer

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Executive Director

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Chief Information Officer

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Company Director

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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)