Meta’s recent company filing revealed that the median salary of its employees last year was $379,000. This means that half of Meta’s staff made more than this amount while the other half earned less. According to the same filing, CEO Mark Zuckerberg earned a staggering $24.4 million in 2023, with his compensation including significant perks such as $9.4 million for personal security costs. Despite his official salary remaining at $1, Zuckerberg’s pay is categorized as “other compensation,” with a significant portion going towards protecting him at his residences and during private travel.
Zuckerberg’s wealth is primarily derived from his extensive ownership of Meta stock, which accounts for much of his overall financial picture. While many may view Zuckerberg’s high salary and extensive security measures as extravagant, it is important to note that negative sentiment towards Meta is often associated with him personally due to his prominent role within the company. As such, these expenses are justified by Meta in order to protect their CEO and maintain a positive public image for the company as a whole.
In summary, while Zuckerberg’s salary may seem insignificant compared to the millions spent on his security and travel, it is just one part of his overall financial picture, which is primarily driven by his ownership of Meta stock.