Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, received $1 as his base salary last year.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, made headlines when it was disclosed that his official salary for 2023 was just $1. Despite this seemingly low amount, his total compensation package for the year was a substantial $24.4 million.

A significant portion of this compensation was allocated to security expenses, with Meta spending around $14 million to ensure Zuckerberg’s safety. This included security personnel, advanced security systems for his residences and workplaces, and security measures during public appearances and travel. Given the risks associated with his high-profile role, these security investments are justified.

In addition to security expenses, Zuckerberg’s compensation package also covered his personal use of private aircraft, amounting to nearly $1 million. This allowed for secure and flexible travel arrangements, considering the specific threats he may face due to his visibility and connection to Meta.

While Zuckerberg’s base salary may appear minimal, his substantial wealth primarily comes from his ownership stake in Meta, which includes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. With a net worth of $158.7 billion as of April 26, he is among the wealthiest individuals globally. This highlights that his financial interests are closely linked to Meta’s success and value, rather than his salary.

Zuckerberg’s choice to receive a symbolic $1 salary is not uncommon among tech CEOs. Other industry leaders like Elon Musk, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Steve Jobs have also opted for nominal salaries in the past. This decision reflects a focus on company success over personal compensation and a belief in the long-term potential of their respective companies.