America's top 10 highest-earning CEOs and their salaries – in pictures

John Hammergren, of McKesson Corporation. The CEO of the world’s largest health care firm earned 'just' $1.7m in salary in 2010 the rest came in stock options and perks. If the company changes hands he stands to make even more money – $469m to be exact Photograph: George Nikitin/AP

Joel F Gemunder, Omnicare CEO. The boss of the US's largest provider of pharmaceutical care for the elderly retired last August after 29 years with the firm. His pension pot went up $14m in the last year alone Photograph: other

John Plant, TRW Automotive Holdings. The car parts boss got two bonuses in 2010, a $2.5m retention bonus for staying put and another $4.5m award for unspecified 'additional factors' Photograph: Santa Fabio/TRW Automotive Holdings

Frank Coyne, CEO Verisk Analytics Inc. The New Jersey-based finance chief made about $65m on his share options in 2010, catapulting him into the big pay league Photograph: Verisk

Thomas M Ryan, CVS Caremark Corporation. Ryan made $50m on the pharmacy chain’s shares last year. During his 13 years as CEO the firm’s share price has halved Photograph: -

Adam Metz, General Growth Properties Inc. The real estate investor was bankrupt recently so Metz had to make do with a $46m cash bonus instead of stock for his two years at the firm Photograph: other

(L-R) Ralph and Ricky Lauren. The design king was awarded a $19.5m bonus in 2010, the maximum allowed by the firm, Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation. He got the same bonus the year before too. Some things never go out of style Photograph: Donald Bowers/WireImage via Getty Images

Michael Fascitelli, CEO of Vornado Realty Trust. The property trust boss made $63m on his shares last year, 98% of his take home pay package for the year Photograph: Stephen Yang/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Ronald Williams, chairman and CEO of Aetna Inc. Another lucky retiree, Williams made $50.4m on his stock options last year. Since Williams became CEO, Aetna’s stock price declined by 70% Photograph: Jay Mallin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Mario Gabelli, chairman and CEO of Gamco Investors Inc. No salary or bonuses for this investment adviser, all his pay is listed as various fees paid for his services. His 'all other compensation' bill has totalled more than $217m in the last four years Photograph: Chris Goodney/Bloomberg via Getty Images