7. Peter Gelb, General Manager, Metropolitan Opera Association, New York - $1.3 million
Starting out as an usher at the Metropolitan Opera at age 17, Gelb had a long career as a producer in classical music and was formally the president of Sony Classical, before becoming the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera in 2006. In 2010, he earned $1,248,461, in addition to $52,455 in other payments (which typically include housing allowances, club dues and other perks), as well as $78K in benefits.
