Small Business Owners Earn More, But Often Delay Their Own Raises

Gusto’s analysis finds that small business owners typically earn about 40% more than their employees, reflecting their dual roles as workers, managers, and primary risk-bearers. Owner pay rose sharply during the post-pandemic recovery but has largely stalled since 2023, as inflation, tighter credit, and shifting demand increased pressure on small firms. The data shows that industry—not firm size—drives most pay differences, with owners in knowledge-based sectors earning several times more than those in consumer-facing industries. Importantly, owner compensation is highly flexible: when conditions tighten, owners often delay or cut their own pay first to stabilize cash flow and keep employee wages steadier. The findings suggest that owner pay acts as a key shock absorber for small businesses, helping firms navigate volatility while limiting downstream impacts on workers.