Chief executives' pay rates rose by 1.5% last year compared with 3% for general salaries, a consulting company survey shows.
The data from Moyle Remuneration Consulting puts the median base salary for chief executives last year at $200,000, rising to $305,000 when benefits and bonuses are included.
The company's director, Jarrod Moyle, says it may be some time before bigger percentage increases occur.
Given that the typical Australian chief executive earns twice as much as his or her New Zealand counterpart, Mr Moyle says, the talent drain across the Tasman is a real concern.