Compensation for the chief executives of major health care systems in Massachusetts rose to new heights in 2024, according to newly released records.

Many health care CEOs received big pay raises while their hospital systems grappled with rising expenses after the pandemic, narrow operating margins, and statewide upheaval following the collapse of Steward Health Care. Those increases reflected market rates for health care leaders amid tumultuous times, specialists said.

“Compensation is high in absolute terms, but these are very large and complex organizations to run,” said David E. Williams, president of Health Business Group, a Boston management consulting firm. “They have to attract talent in a national market, which is the main reason salaries go up.”