How Much Does the CEO of Walmart Make? Curious about the compensation of Walmart’s top executive? You’re not alone. Executive pay, especially for leaders of major companies, often sparks interest and debate. This article dives into the details of Walmart CEO Doug McMillon’s compensation, breaking it down into its key components.
​In 2024, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon’s total compensation was approximately $26.97 million, reflecting a 6.57% increase from the previous year. This substantial compensation is notably higher compared to the median annual pay of Walmart employees, which stands at around $27,642.
Understanding executive compensation goes beyond just the numbers. It reflects the company’s performance and growth. Stock options and deferred compensation play a crucial role in the total package, offering insight into how Walmart values its leadership.
Stay with us as we explore these figures in depth, providing a clear and informative breakdown of what goes into determining the CEO’s pay.
Contents
- 1 Overview of Walmart Executive Compensation
- 2 How much does the CEO of Walmart make?
- 3 Comparisons with Other Industry Leaders
- 4 Conclusion
- 5 FAQ
- 5.1 What was Doug McMillon’s total compensation last year?
- 5.2 How is the CEO’s compensation structured?
- 5.3 What role does stock play in the CEO’s compensation?
- 5.4 How does Doug McMillon’s compensation compare to other retail CEOs?
- 5.5 Is the CEO’s compensation approved by the board of directors?
- 5.6 How is the value of stock awards determined?
- 5.7 What is the purpose of performance-based incentives in the CEO’s compensation?
- 5.8 How can I find more details about the CEO’s compensation?
Overview of Walmart Executive Compensation
Executive compensation at Walmart is designed to reward performance and align leadership interests with company success. The structure includes base salary, bonuses, and stock awards, as detailed in the company’s proxy statement.
Salary Components and Bonuses
The base salary serves as the foundation of an executive’s pay, providing stable income. Bonuses, on the other hand, are incentive-based, tied to specific performance metrics. This dual structure ensures that compensation reflects both individual and company-wide achievements.
Deferred Compensation and Stock Awards
Deferred compensation and stock awards are long-term incentives. Stock awards, such as those granted to Doug McMillon, link executive pay to shareholder value. Deferred compensation encourages executives to focus on sustained growth, benefiting both the company and its stakeholders.
These elements, outlined in the proxy statement, ensure transparency and accountability, reflecting Walmart’s commitment to aligning executive interests with those of its shareholders.
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How much does the CEO of Walmart make?
Doug McMillon’s compensation is a topic of great interest, especially when examining the details from the latest proxy statement. His pay package is structured to reflect both individual performance and the overall success of the business.
Detailed Breakdown of CEO Compensation
As of 2024, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon earned about $26.97 million, which is a 6.57% increase from the previous year. This amount is much higher compared to the average annual salary of Walmart employees, which is around $27,642.
Stock awards play a significant role in his compensation, with substantial deferred stock awards contributing to the total. These stock awards are designed to align his interests with those of the company’s shareholders, reflecting Walmart’s commitment to long-term growth.
Year-over-Year Increases and Incentives
Comparing last year’s figures to previous years provides insight into the progression of McMillon’s pay. The bonus increase highlights the company’s strong performance. Business results directly impact these increments, ensuring that compensation adjustments are performance-driven.
As seen in the table, the total compensation is a combination of salary, bonus, and stock awards, all reflecting the company’s strong financial metrics and alignment with shareholder interests.

A financial expert noted, “Executive compensation structures like McMillon’s are designed to incentivize leaders to focus on long-term value creation.” This approach ensures that compensation is not just a reward but also a motivator for sustained business growth.
Comparisons with Other Industry Leaders
When examining executive pay across major retailers, Walmart’s CEO compensation stands out in comparison to its peers. Companies like Target, Amazon, and Home Depot each have their own structures for executive pay, reflecting different strategies in aligning leadership compensation with company performance.
CEO Pay Ratio and Peer Benchmarking
The CEO pay ratio is a key metric in understanding executive compensation relative to company performance. While exact figures for other CEOs may vary, the comparison illustrates the competitive landscape of executive pay in retail. This benchmarking helps assess how Walmart’s compensation package aligns with industry standards.
The role of a president and CEO in competing retailers often comes with varying levels of compensation and benefits. These differences can be attributed to factors like company size, performance metrics, and strategic goals. Share price fluctuations and overall company value significantly influence the total compensation, making it a dynamic aspect of executive pay.

Industry comparisons play a crucial role in evaluating the fairness and competitiveness of executive rewards. By benchmarking against peers, stakeholders can better understand whether Walmart’s compensation structure is aligned with industry norms and reflective of its performance. This transparency is essential in maintaining trust and accountability in executive pay practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the compensation of Walmart’s CEO, as detailed in the company’s proxy statement filed with the Securities Exchange Commission, offers a clear view into executive pay practices. The total compensation, which includes base salary, bonuses, and stock awards, reflects both individual performance and company success. This structure, overseen by the Exchange Commission, ensures transparency and aligns leadership interests with shareholder value.
By benchmarking against industry peers and reviewing data from the Securities Exchange, it’s evident that Walmart’s approach to executive compensation is both competitive and performance-driven. The inclusion of deferred compensation and stock awards emphasizes long-term growth and accountability. This method of compensation not only rewards past achievements but also motivates future performance.
If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out via email or explore more business updates. Understanding these practices provides valuable insights into the broader context of executive compensation in retail, helping you make informed decisions over time.
FAQ
What was Doug McMillon’s total compensation last year?
Doug McMillon’s total compensation for 2024 was approximately $26.97 million, which includes his base salary, stock awards, and other benefits.
How is the CEO’s compensation structured?
The compensation package for Walmart’s CEO includes a base salary, stock awards, and performance-based incentives. The proxy statement filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) provides a detailed breakdown of these components.
What role does stock play in the CEO’s compensation?
Stock awards make up a significant portion of the CEO’s compensation. These awards are tied to the company’s performance and are intended to align the executive’s interests with those of the shareholders.
How does Doug McMillon’s compensation compare to other retail CEOs?
Compared to other top executives in the retail industry, Doug McMillon’s compensation is competitive. However, the exact ranking can vary based on factors like company size, performance, and industry benchmarks.
Is the CEO’s compensation approved by the board of directors?
Yes, the compensation for Walmart’s CEO is approved by the company’s board of directors. The proxy statement outlines the approval process and the rationale behind the compensation package.
How is the value of stock awards determined?
The value of stock awards is determined by the company’s performance and the market price of the stock at the time of the award. These awards are designed to incentivize long-term value creation for the company.
What is the purpose of performance-based incentives in the CEO’s compensation?
Performance-based incentives are intended to reward the CEO for achieving specific business goals and driving shareholder value. These incentives are tied to measurable outcomes and are disclosed in the proxy statement.
How can I find more details about the CEO’s compensation?
You can find detailed information about the CEO’s compensation in Walmart’s proxy statement, which is filed annually with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). This document provides a comprehensive breakdown of the compensation package.

​Lyanna Mann is from South Carolina, USA. She finished college in marketing. She wants to work in private companies and become a CEO one day. She spends time learning about what CEOs do, how hard they work, their plans, and how much money they make.