Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen has been paid between 254 and 420 times more than the system’s median employee since 2021, according to proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
To identify the median compensated employee, the for-profit system uses a consistently applied compensation measure that includes total gross payroll wages received, according to proxy statements. Pay is annualized for permanent employees who were not employed for a full year.
Here is how the CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio has changed over the past five years:
2021
- Total CEO compensation: $20,635,260
- Median employee compensation: $56,044
- Ratio: 368 to 1
2022
- Total CEO compensation: $14,637,726
- Median employee compensation: $57,727
- Ratio: 254 to 1
2023
- Total CEO compensation: $21,315,984
- Median employee compensation: $59,816
- Ratio: 356 to 1
2024
- Total CEO compensation: $23,799,137
- Median employee compensation: $60,820
- Ratio: 391 to 1
2025
- Total CEO compensation: $26,456,606
- Median employee compensation: $62,955
- Ratio: 420 to 1
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
