Who does? They can't work 30X more hours than an engineer in the company.
No doubt. If they knew what's required to become a CEO, they'd think differently. First you'd need to attend a first class university and graduate in the top of your class. Then you'll need to establish yourself with a good company and work ungodly hours proving your worth. At some point in this process you'll need to attend grad school, in your free time, all the while clawing your way through the ranks at the expense of your family, personal time and health. Most people who live and work this cutthroat life never end up as CEO's or even senior managers. Of course, you could always start your own company to become a CEO. Everyone knows just how easy taking that route can be.
CEO type compensation is one reason why American companies can attract the best talent. All the guys who run our foreign business units came from foreign companies. They are thrilled to be working for an American company mostly because the compensation is so good but also because they don't have to deal with so much bureaucracy and interference. The only thing they complain about are the insane hours and the intense pressure to perform.
Not exactly the country club life so many envision.