Oct 1, 2025 - Business

Elon Musk becomes first person to hit $500 billion in net worth

Jason Lalljee

Elon Musk standing in front of an American flag — Elon Musk on Wednesday became the first person in history to reach a net worth of $500 billion. Photo: Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images

Elon Musk's rebound following his stint at the White House is clear, as his net worth cleared the $500 billion mark for the first time Wednesday.

Why it matters: Musk is the first person in history to be worth half a trillion dollars.

Driving the news: Forbes' "Real-Time Billionaires" list ranks Musk at No. 1, with a net worth of $499.1 billion as of the close of trading on Wednesday. (Earlier in the day it was briefly higher, when he set the mark.)

Tesla's stock soared over the last month, and is currently at all-time highs, with Musk's other startups surging in valuation this year too.

Flashback: Oracle CEO Larry Ellison briefly eclipsed Musk last month as the world's richest person after his stock in Oracle skyrocketed.

That didn't last, though.

What we're watching: Musk could actually become the world's first trillionaire if he fully earns his new pay package at Tesla.

Tesla filed a preliminary proxy statement with securities regulators last month, laying out a "2025 CEO Performance Award" that it wants shareholders to approve.
The award lays out a series of milestones to hit before Musk can unlock the full compensation package.

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Elon Musk becomes first person to hit $500 billion in net worth

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