Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, recently released their annual financial report which revealed that the median salary of their employees was $379,000 in 2023. This means that half of Meta’s employees earned more than this amount while the other half made less. While this is a significant sum, it pales in comparison to CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s compensation.
Zuckerberg’s official salary remained at $1 in 2023, but his actual compensation was much higher. In addition to his base salary, he received $9.4 million for personal security costs. This brings his total compensation to $24.4 million. It is important to note that Zuckerberg’s pay is categorized as “other compensation” in Meta’s filing, with a significant portion going towards protecting him at his residences and during private travel. The company justifies these expenses by stating that negative sentiment towards Meta is often associated with Zuckerberg himself, due to his prominent role within the company.
While Zuckerberg’s $1 salary may seem insignificant compared to the millions spent on his security and travel, his wealth is primarily derived from his extensive ownership of Meta stock. With an estimated net worth of $176 billion, Zuckerberg’s compensation is just one part of his overall financial picture. However, it is clear that he continues to be a valuable asset to the company and its shareholders.
