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**Elon Musk’s Net Worth: How the Tesla CEO Became the World’s Richest Person**.zin

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Elon Musk’s Record-Breaking Wealth: How the Tesla CEO Built His Fortune

Elon Musk delivers remarks in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Elon Musk made history in 2024 when he became the first person to surpass a net worth of $400 billion.

Elon Musk’s Journey to Becoming the World’s Richest Person

After selling PayPal in 2002, Musk quickly ascended the ranks of the world’s billionaires. His fortune started with a $2 billion net worth in 2012, per Forbes, and by 2020, he had surpassed Mark Zuckerberg, then Bill Gates, to claim the No. 2 spot.

By 2024, Bloomberg reported that Musk’s net worth had crossed the $400 billion threshold, making him the richest person in the world and the first to reach that level of wealth. However, a decline in Tesla stock in early 2025 caused his wealth to drop by more than $120 billion.

What Is Elon Musk’s Net Worth?

As of March 2025, Musk’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $330 billion, according to Forbes. This marks a significant decrease from his peak of $486.4 billion in December 2024.

Where Does Musk’s Wealth Come From?

  • Tesla: The majority of Musk’s fortune—58.3%—is tied to Tesla, where his stock stake was valued at nearly $195 billion in 2024.
  • SpaceX: His astronautics company accounts for 26.6% of his wealth, thanks to a $350 billion valuation in 2024.
  • X.AI: His artificial intelligence startup makes up over 8% of his net worth.

How Much Has Musk Made from Tesla?

Tesla remains Musk’s largest financial asset. His company’s stock surged after the 2024 election, contributing to his record-breaking net worth. However, his close ties to President Donald Trump and involvement in government projects have sparked controversy, leading to a 15% drop in Tesla’s stock in early 2025.

Musk does not take a traditional salary from Tesla. Instead, he has a performance-based compensation package, which led to a lawsuit in 2018 over his $50 billion pay deal. In late 2024, a Delaware court ruled against him, voiding the compensation package and awarding $345 million in legal fees to the plaintiff.

How Much Has Musk Made from SpaceX?

SpaceX has been another major driver of Musk’s wealth. In 2024, the company’s valuation soared to $350 billion, largely due to its leadership in space exploration and Starlink’s expansion. While SpaceX makes up a smaller portion of his portfolio than Tesla, it remains one of his most valuable assets.

Despite his massive wealth, Tesla has paid $0 in federal income tax in several years, according to multiple reports, due to tax breaks on executive stock options and government incentives.

Musk’s financial future remains uncertain as Tesla stock fluctuates and his government involvement sparks debate. However, his impact on the business world—and his position among the world’s wealthiest—remains undeniable.