The Post-Gazette Fortunate 50 was determined by reviewing the most recent proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by 60 publicly held companies either based in the region or with significant operations here. The compensation of more than 125 executives was analyzed.

Compensation is based on data provided for each company's top-paid executives during its most recent fiscal year. It includes salary, bonuses, the value of restricted stock and options awarded, incentive plan payments, pension benefits or deferred compensation earned and other compensation (retirement and insurance benefits, relocation or housing expenses, use of the corporate jet, automobile allowances, country club dues, financial counseling and other perquisites).

It does not include the value of restricted stock awarded in prior years that vested in the most recent fiscal year. Nor does it include income realized in the most recent fiscal year from the exercise of stock options awarded in prior years. Those items are listed separately.

Stock performance data was provided by Bloomberg and includes dividend payments.

Separate charts detail the 10 highest-paid executives in particular categories and the 10 highest-paid female executives. These charts include executives whose total compensation did not qualify them for the Fortunate 50.