If we're comparing executives at top companies vs. not, it's a fair comparison. Most executives don't make it into the "big league", and those that do are paid

If we're comparing executives at top companies vs. not, it's a fair comparison. Most executives don't make it into the "big league", and those that do are paid pretty much like their pro athlete counterparts. In the U.S., the NFL is in the $16-25bn in annual revenues; NBA is ~$3-5bn; MLB ~ $11bn. Think about how well players are paid relative % of revenues. Google is at $110bn. Microsoft $125bn. Apple ~$258bn. There are "pro executives" that pull in big paychecks because, just like their pro athlete counterparts, they make a difference. We just don't get to watch them at work and score their every move with easy-to-track-stats. No one bats an eye when a pro athlete is paid $10m+ (besides other pro athletes).