Compensation for top executives rose by a median 33.8% globally in 2021, according to the “2022 Staffing Executive Compensation Analysis” report released last week by Staffing Industry Analysts. The report looked at the two most-highly paid executives at 42 publicly traded staffing firms globally; however, in two cases, information was only available for one executive.

The total compensation includes salary, bonuses, non-equity incentive plan payouts, option awards, stock awards and other compensation. Total compensation varied significantly by region.

Looking at just the 25 North American firms, total median compensation at these companies rose a median 32.5% in 2021. Most of the North American firms tracked were in the US with one in Canada. On the other hand, total compensation declined by a median 50.7% among the 14 firms tracked in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Looking only at firms with UK headquarters, total compensation increased a median 97.9%

Three firms Asia Pacific were tracked; in this region, total compensation increased by a median 90.6%.

The highest-paid executives among the 42 publicly traded staffing companies were Jonas Prising, CEO of ManpowerGroup Inc., with total compensation of $18.8 million, and Paul Sarvadi, CEO and chairman of the board of Insperity Inc., with total compensation of $9.6 million.

Corporate members of Staffing Industry Analysts can access the full report.