Great Neck, N.Y.-based Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling's total compensation hit $9.6 million in 2015, according to Crain's New York Business.
Mr. Dowling's compensation last year included a $6.5 million retirement-plan payment he received upon turning 65.
Ron Seifer, healthcare reward leader at Hay Group, told Crain's that hospital CEOs get so much money because of how difficult the job is.
"They're serving the public good, but that doesn't make the requirement any less onerous. They're on the job virtually 24/7. These jobs are very, very high stress, and I don't think everyone can be effective," he said.