Elon Musk has once again captured global attention — this time for a record-breaking compensation plan that could make him the world’s first trillionaire. During Tesla’s shareholders’ meeting held on Thursday, investors approved an unprecedented $1 trillion pay package for Musk, amid concerns that he might leave the company if the deal wasn’t sanctioned.
Tesla Approves Unprecedented Compensation Deal
According to reports, the compensation package links Musk’s payout to strict performance goals outlined during the meeting. If he meets all the milestones, the Tesla CEO could earn up to $1 trillion through a mix of salary and company shares over the next decade.
This approval comes as Musk’s net worth recently crossed $500 billion in October 2025, solidifying his position as the wealthiest person on the planet. With the new deal, Musk could soon become the first individual in history to reach trillionaire status.
Musk’s Fortune Built on Multiple Ventures
Musk’s wealth stems largely from his vast portfolio of technology and space ventures. He is the co-founder of Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, and several other companies pushing the boundaries of innovation.
As per Tesla’s 2025 proxy statement, Musk holds around 12% of Tesla’s shares. He also owns an estimated 42% stake in SpaceX, valued at nearly $400 billion as of August 2025.
Meanwhile, his rebranded social media platform X (formerly Twitter) — merged with his AI venture xAI in March 2025 — is now valued at $113 billion, including debt, according to Forbes.
His other enterprises, The Boring Company and Neuralink, have attracted a combined investment of roughly $2 billion from private backers.
Musk’s Net Worth Over the Years
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index notes that Musk’s net worth fluctuated throughout 2025. After peaking above $400 billion in December 2024, it dropped to $363 billion by mid-2025, partly due to political controversies and market volatility. However, by October 2025, Forbes valued his fortune at $501.7 billion, marking a strong rebound.
Performance Targets Behind the $1 Trillion Payout
According to AP, Tesla’s new pay structure is designed as a performance-based incentive plan, rewarding Musk with shares if he achieves several ambitious goals:
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Tesla’s market value must rise to $8.5 trillion.
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The company must deliver 20 million electric vehicles annually within 10 years.
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It must successfully deploy 1 million humanoid robots and robotaxis globally.
If these goals are met, Musk will receive stock options potentially worth $1 trillion, setting a new precedent in corporate compensation history.
A New Milestone in Wealth and Innovation
With his current wealth already nearing half a trillion dollars, Elon Musk stands among history’s richest figures. Tesla’s latest move could not only make him the first trillionaire but also reshape how tech executives are rewarded for innovation and growth.
As the world watches, Musk’s next decade could redefine not only personal wealth records but also the future of global technology and artificial intelligence.
Also Read: Tesla investors vote on an $878 billion payday for Musk – but that’s not all
