Average CEO Salary in Zagreb, Croatia for 2026
In this article, we will look at the average CEO salary for 2026 in Zagreb and how that compares to other countries and professions. We'll also look at interesting salary data points like median salary, 25th and 75th percentile salaries, salary amounts based on experience, bonus ranges and more!
The data in this article has been compiled using official government salary data, salary surveys, and other sources such as job postings which contain salary information.
All salary information is in the local currency, which is the Croatian kuna. To keep things simple, we are using the HRK currency code instead of the currency symbol kn.
How Much Does a CEO Make in Zagreb?
A CEO working in Zagreb will typically earn around 447,700 HRK per year, and this can range from the lowest average salary of about 221,500 HRK to the highest average salary of 698,200 HRK.
These are average salaries for a CEO in Zagreb and include benefits such as housing and transport. It's also possible for a CEO to earn more or less than the average salaries shown above.
CEO salaries will vary a lot based on your experience, location, skills, and gender. Keep reading below to research more data on each of these areas.
Distribution of CEO Salaries in Zagreb
So we've looked at the average salaries a CEO will earn in Zagreb. The next interesting data point is the distribution of salaries.
Salary ranges
We already know that a CEO can earn between 221,500 HRK and 698,200 HRK on average in Zagreb. This is known as the range in statistics.
The difference between the maximum and minimum values is a good indicator of variability in salaries, and can be used by employers to figure out how much they can expect to pay, and for employees to know how much they can earn.
Median salary
The median salary for a CEO in Zagreb is 457,300 HRK. This is the middle value in the distribution of salaries.
What this means is that approximately 50% of the population earn less than 457,300 HRK, and 50% of the population earn more than 457,300 HRK.
If you are earning more than the median salary, that's a good indicator that you are being paid well.
If you're not earning more than the median salary, your objective should be to increase your earnings to be at least as high as the median salary (which you can do by asking for a pay rise, looking for a better paying job, etc).
Percentiles
Percentiles are similar to the median salary, but instead of looking at the middle value, they look at the values in the top and bottom half of the distribution.
For the average CEO salary in Zagreb, 25% of the population are earning less than 305,600 HRK while 75% of the population earn more than 305,600 HRK.
75% of the population earn less than 590,200 HRK, and 25% of the population earn more than 590,200 HRK.
Like the median salary, the 25th and 75th percentile salaries can be used to determine which quartile you fall into so that you know whether you are being paid well enough compared to others in your profession and location.
The difference between a median and an average salary
The median and average salary are both indicators you can use to see if you are being paid fairly based on the overall population.
- If your salary is higher than the average and the median salary, you are earning well compared to others.
- If your salary is lower than the average and the median salary, it could indicate you are not being paid well enough.
- If you are somewhere in between then it's tricky to determine if you are being paid well enough and you might need to research more closely.
CEO Salary by Experience Level in Zagreb
The most important factor in determining your salary after the specific profession is the number of years experience you have. It stands to reason that more years of experience will result in a higher wage.
We have researched the average CEO salary based on years of experience to give you an idea of how the average changes once you've worked for a certain amount of time.
- 0 - 2 Years Experience. A CEO in Zagreb that has less than two years of experience can expect to earn somewhere in the region of 261,300 HRK.
- 2 - 5 Years Experience. With two to five years of experience the average CEO salary would increase to 335,100 HRK.
- 5 - 10 Years Experience. From five to ten years of experience as a CEO, the average salary would be 462,300 HRK.
- 10 - 15 Years Experience. Once you have more than ten years of experience the average salary reaches around 571,300 HRK.
- 15 - 20 Years Experience. A CEO with 15 to 20 years of experience can earn an average of 615,000 HRK.
- 20+ Years Experience. For a CEO with more than 20 years, the expected average salary increases to 653,200 HRK.
Average Salary by Experience Chart
| 0-2 Years | - | 261,300 HRK |
| 2-5 Years | +29% | 335,100 HRK |
| 5-10 Years | +38% | 462,300 HRK |
| 10-15 Years | +24% | 571,300 HRK |
| 15-20 Years | +7% | 615,000 HRK |
| 20+ Years | +7% | 653,200 HRK |
CEO Salary by Education Level in Zagreb
As well as experience in a job, your education plays a big role in how much you can earn. A lot of higher paying positions require a high level of education, but how much can a degree increase your salary?
In our research we have compared the salaries of employees in the same job and career level with different levels of education to see how much more you can earn at each education level.
The salary you can earn based on your education is very specific to both your location and the career path you choose.
In our research, we looked at the average salary for a CEO in Zagreb based on the education level of the employees in order to find out whether a better education level would increase your salary.
- High School. A CEO in Zagreb with a high school education can earn an average salary of 252,300 HRK.
- Certificate or Diploma. A CEO in Zagreb with a certificate or diploma education can earn an average salary of 301,300 HRK.
- Bachelor's Degree. A CEO in Zagreb with a bachelor's degree education can earn an average salary of 384,200 HRK.
- Master's Degree. A CEO in Zagreb with a master's degree education can earn an average salary of 583,000 HRK.
- PhD. A CEO in Zagreb with a phd education can earn an average salary of 695,400 HRK.
Average Salary by Education Chart
| High School | - | 252,300 HRK |
| Certificate or Diploma | +19% | 301,300 HRK |
| Bachelor's Degree | +27% | 384,200 HRK |
| Master's Degree | +53% | 583,000 HRK |
| PhD | +19% | 695,400 HRK |
How Much is a Master's Degree or MBA Program?
The approximate cost of a master's degree or post-graduate program like an MBA in Croatia is around 74,200 to 223,000 HRK and takes two years to complete.
As you can see above, there are financial benefits from reaching master's degree level, but don't expect to see much of a salary increase until you have completed the degree.
It's common for people to pursue an MBA or other post-graduate program in order to switch to a a job that pays more. On average, you can expect to earn around 10% more when switching to a new company.
Whether you decide to pursue a master's degree depends on many factors. If you are able to afford it, the numbers suggest that the return on investment is worth it and you could recover the costs in a few years from the salary increase you would receive.
CEO Salary Compared by Gender
In the modern age, we know that there should never be a pay gap between men and women. Unfortunately, in many professions, there is still a significant difference between the salaries earned by men when compared to the salary of women in the same job.
In Zagreb, a male ceo will earn an average of 401,300 HRK, while a female ceo will earn around 372,600 HRK.
This means that a male ceo earns approximately 8% more than a female ceo for performing the same job.
Average Salary by Gender Chart in Zagreb
| Male | - | 401,300 HRK |
| Female | -8% | 372,600 HRK |
CEO Average Pay Raise in Zagreb
In many countries, an annual pay raise is often given to employees to reward their service with a salary increase.
From our research, we can see that the average pay raise for a CEO in Zagreb is around 15% every 17 months.
The national average pay raise across all professions and industries in Croatia is around 9% every 17 months.
In this case, we can see that the number of months between the average pay raise is higher than the typical 12 months.
To make the data more meaningful, we can calculate what the approximate annual pay raise would be using a simple formula:
Annual Increase = ( Increase Rate ÷ Months ) × 12
So for this example, it would be:
Annual Increase = ( 15 ÷ 17 ) × 12 = 11%
What this means is that a CEO in Zagreb can expect to receive an average pay raise of around 11% every 12 months.
Annual Pay Raise by Industry in Zagreb for 2026
In the chart below, you can see the average annual pay raise percentages for each of the major industries in Croatia.
You will see that companies in bigger and more lucrative industries tend to have the higher annual pay raises.
| Banking | - | 9% |
| Energy | - | 9% |
| Information Technology | - | 9% |
| Healthcare | - | 9% |
| Travel | - | 9% |
| Construction | - | 9% |
| Education | - | 9% |
CEO Bonus and Incentive Rates in Zagreb
Another part of your overall compensation in a job is how much bonus you receive. Some job roles will be more likely to pay a bonus than others and also more likely to have higher bonus rates.
Generally speaking, jobs that are more involved with direct revenue generation will receive higher bonuses based on the performance towards revenue goals.
A CEO is a high bonus based job, with 87% of employees reporting at least one bonus in the last 12 months.
13% reported that they had not received any bonuses in the previous 12 months.
For the employees that did receive a bonus in the previous 12 months, the reported bonuses ranged from 5% to 9%.
| Received Bonus | - | 87% |
| No Bonus | - | 13% |
What are the Types of Bonus?
There are a number of difference types of bonus you can receive in a job. Including:
- Individual performance bonus - This is a bonus that is awarded to an individual employee for general performance in the job. It's the most common type of bonus.
- Company performance bonus - This is a bonus that is awarded to a company employees to share profit with the staff.
- Goal based bonus - This is a bonus that is awarded to an individual employee (or a team) for achieving specific goals, objectives, or milestones.
- Holiday bonus - This type of bonus is usually paid around the holidays, often the end of the year, and is a token of appreciation for the hard work throughout the year.
Government vs Private Sector Salaries
Another commonly asked question is whether you get paid a higher salary working in the public (government) sector or the private sector.
Public sector employees in Croatia earn approximately 9% more than private sector employees in the same role.
| Public Sector | - | 187,500 HRK |
| Private Sector | -9% | 172,200 HRK |
Salaries for Jobs Similar to a CEO
In the table below, we have salary information for jobs that are similar to a CEO in Zagreb.
| Job Title | Category | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Account Coordinator | Executive and Management | 158,700 HRK |
| Account Director | Executive and Management | 204,700 HRK |
| Account Executive | Executive and Management | 196,800 HRK |
| Account Manager | Executive and Management | 189,300 HRK |
| Administration Manager | Executive and Management | 195,200 HRK |
| Administration Officer | Executive and Management | 111,900 HRK |
| Administration Supervisor | Executive and Management | 164,200 HRK |
| Administrative Clerk | Executive and Management | 83,140 HRK |
| Administrative Officer | Executive and Management | 77,400 HRK |
| Area Director | Executive and Management | 180,300 HRK |
| Area Manager | Executive and Management | 175,900 HRK |
| Asset Protection Associate | Executive and Management | 225,700 HRK |
| Assistant Director | Executive and Management | 207,800 HRK |
| Assistant General Manager | Executive and Management | 215,100 HRK |
| Assistant Manager | Executive and Management | 209,500 HRK |
| Assistant Managing Director | Executive and Management | 240,500 HRK |
| Assistant Operations Manager | Executive and Management | 225,700 HRK |
| Assistant Project Manager | Executive and Management | 209,700 HRK |
| Assistant Section Head | Executive and Management | 176,800 HRK |
| Assistant Vice President | Executive and Management | 227,600 HRK |
| Assistant to CEO | Executive and Management | 195,200 HRK |
| Associate Account Director | Executive and Management | 197,600 HRK |
| Associate Director | Executive and Management | 204,000 HRK |
| Bid Manager | Executive and Management | 225,700 HRK |
| Branch Manager | Executive and Management | 222,300 HRK |
| Business Development Manager | Executive and Management | 253,400 HRK |
| Business Operations Associate | Executive and Management | 209,500 HRK |
| Business Operations Lead | Executive and Management | 207,700 HRK |
| COO | Executive and Management | 308,900 HRK |
| Campaign Manager | Executive and Management | 228,500 HRK |
| Catering Coordinator | Executive and Management | 129,000 HRK |
| Catering Manager | Executive and Management | 196,800 HRK |
| Chairman Office Manager | Executive and Management | 245,300 HRK |
| Chairman of The Board | Executive and Management | 388,100 HRK |
| Chief Commercial Officer | Executive and Management | 297,000 HRK |
| Chief Corporate Officer | Executive and Management | 301,700 HRK |
| Chief Executive Officer | Executive and Management | 411,400 HRK |
| Chief Financial Officer | Executive and Management | 354,000 HRK |
| Chief Investment Officer | Executive and Management | 301,600 HRK |
| Chief Operating Officer | Executive and Management | 294,300 HRK |
| Chief Risk Officer | Executive and Management | 261,300 HRK |
| Chief of Staff | Executive and Management | 180,500 HRK |
| Client Account Manager | Executive and Management | 228,500 HRK |
| Client Accounts Officer | Executive and Management | 201,100 HRK |
| Client Services Manager | Executive and Management | 257,700 HRK |
| Commercial Director | Executive and Management | 267,100 HRK |
| Commercial Manager | Executive and Management | 232,900 HRK |
| Commercial Project Manager | Executive and Management | 221,500 HRK |
| Commodity Broker | Executive and Management | 169,000 HRK |
| Corporate Affairs Executive | Executive and Management | 233,600 HRK |
| Corporate Compliance Director | Executive and Management | 268,900 HRK |
| Corporate Director | Executive and Management | 271,300 HRK |
| Corporate Officer | Executive and Management | 185,100 HRK |
| Corporate Partnerships Officer | Executive and Management | 183,600 HRK |
| Country Manager | Executive and Management | 311,700 HRK |
| Department Head | Executive and Management | 245,300 HRK |
| Department Manager | Executive and Management | 233,600 HRK |
| Department Supervisor | Executive and Management | 212,500 HRK |
| Deputy Director | Executive and Management | 266,000 HRK |
| Deputy Manager | Executive and Management | 283,400 HRK |
| Director | Executive and Management | 309,800 HRK |
| Director of Accreditation | Executive and Management | 263,100 HRK |
| Director of Catering Services | Executive and Management | 225,300 HRK |
| Director of Client Services | Executive and Management | 263,100 HRK |
| Director of Facilities Management | Executive and Management | 217,900 HRK |
| Director of Operations | Executive and Management | 263,100 HRK |
| Director of Process Simplification | Executive and Management | 207,700 HRK |
| Director of Product Management | Executive and Management | 254,800 HRK |
| Director of Project Management | Executive and Management | 267,100 HRK |
| Director of Revenue Management | Executive and Management | 233,600 HRK |
| Director of Training and Development | Executive and Management | 257,700 HRK |
| Distribution Manager | Executive and Management | 263,900 HRK |
| Division Manager | Executive and Management | 232,400 HRK |
| Duty Manager | Executive and Management | 217,900 HRK |
| Engagement Manager | Executive and Management | 267,100 HRK |
| Executive Director | Executive and Management | 399,900 HRK |
| Executive Manager | Executive and Management | 325,800 HRK |
| Franchise Manager | Executive and Management | 340,400 HRK |
| General Manager | Executive and Management | 301,700 HRK |
| Global Master Data Manager | Executive and Management | 281,500 HRK |
| Global Technical Lead | Executive and Management | 180,500 HRK |
| HSE Manager | Executive and Management | 221,500 HRK |
| Head of Investment | Executive and Management | 265,000 HRK |
| Head of Middle Office | Executive and Management | 246,200 HRK |
| Head of Projects | Executive and Management | 258,400 HRK |
| Head of Strategy | Executive and Management | 292,000 HRK |
| Head of Supply Chain | Executive and Management | 249,600 HRK |
| Head of Sustainability | Executive and Management | 221,500 HRK |
| Housing Manager | Executive and Management | 201,100 HRK |
| Key Account Manager | Executive and Management | 227,600 HRK |
| Knowledge Manager | Executive and Management | 257,700 HRK |
| Location Manager | Executive and Management | 253,400 HRK |
| Logistics Executive | Executive and Management | 210,500 HRK |
| Logistics Manager | Executive and Management | 197,600 HRK |
| MIS Executive | Executive and Management | 275,500 HRK |
| Management Consultant | Executive and Management | 216,800 HRK |
| Management Executive | Executive and Management | 282,500 HRK |
| Manager | Executive and Management | 275,200 HRK |
| Managing Director | Executive and Management | 315,700 HRK |
| Ocean Services Manager | Executive and Management | 283,400 HRK |
| Operational Manager | Executive and Management | 273,000 HRK |
| Operations Analyst | Executive and Management | 231,000 HRK |
| Operations Assistant | Executive and Management | 192,600 HRK |
| Operations Director | Executive and Management | 290,800 HRK |
| Operations Executive | Executive and Management | 273,000 HRK |
| Operations Manager | Executive and Management | 292,000 HRK |
| Operations Supervisor | Executive and Management | 245,300 HRK |
| PMO Manager | Executive and Management | 254,700 HRK |
| Planning Director | Executive and Management | 294,700 HRK |
| Policy Administration Executive | Executive and Management | 232,400 HRK |
| Private Sector Executive | Executive and Management | 228,500 HRK |
| Product Development Manager | Executive and Management | 252,300 HRK |
| Product Executive | Executive and Management | 228,500 HRK |
| Production Executive | Executive and Management | 266,000 HRK |
| Production Manager | Executive and Management | 275,200 HRK |
| Production Supervisor | Executive and Management | 221,500 HRK |
| Program Director | Executive and Management | 275,500 HRK |
| Program Manager | Executive and Management | 282,500 HRK |
| Programme Coordinator | Executive and Management | 196,800 HRK |
| Project Control Manager | Executive and Management | 271,300 HRK |
| Project Coordinator | Executive and Management | 172,200 HRK |
| Project Management Officer | Executive and Management | 183,600 HRK |
| Project Manager | Executive and Management | 189,300 HRK |
| Project Portfolio Manager | Executive and Management | 217,900 HRK |
| Quality Manager | Executive and Management | 214,000 HRK |
| R/D Director | Executive and Management | 240,500 HRK |
| Regional Director | Executive and Management | 348,300 HRK |
| Regional Manager | Executive and Management | 263,200 HRK |
| Relationship Manager | Executive and Management | 266,000 HRK |
| Retail District Manager | Executive and Management | 180,300 HRK |
| Revenue Manager | Executive and Management | 221,500 HRK |
| Risk Officer | Executive and Management | 194,600 HRK |
| Risk and Capital Manager | Executive and Management | 305,600 HRK |
| Safety Manager | Executive and Management | 195,200 HRK |
| Section Head | Executive and Management | 207,700 HRK |
| Service Manager | Executive and Management | 212,500 HRK |
| Shift Supervisor | Executive and Management | 157,600 HRK |
| Solutions Manager | Executive and Management | 192,000 HRK |
| Supervisor | Executive and Management | 159,100 HRK |
| Supply Chain Manager | Executive and Management | 273,000 HRK |
| Surveyor | Executive and Management | 189,300 HRK |
| Technical Director | Executive and Management | 251,500 HRK |
| Technical Manager | Executive and Management | 251,500 HRK |
| Territory Manager | Executive and Management | 263,200 HRK |
| Validation Manager | Executive and Management | 221,500 HRK |
| Vice President | Executive and Management | 325,900 HRK |
| Zone Manager | Executive and Management | 268,900 HRK |
Salary Comparison by City
If you want to compare salaries with different cities in Croatia, you can use the links below to explore the data for each specific city we have researched.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Zadar | 412,000 HRK |
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