Fans of Elon Musk are curious about how much he makes per day and per second from Tesla and SpaceX.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and several other ventures, has consistently ranked among the richest people in the world. His wealth is largely tied to his ownership stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, which means that his income fluctuates based on the stock market and company performance. Understanding how much Musk makes per day or even per second requires a look at both his net worth growth and his unique compensation structure.
Elon Musk’s Net Worth
As of late 2025, Elon Musk’s net worth is estimated to be around $230 billion. This wealth comes primarily from his shares in Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures such as Neuralink and The Boring Company. Unlike a salaried executive, Musk does not rely on a traditional paycheck. In fact, he famously does not take a regular salary from Tesla, choosing instead to receive compensation through a performance-based stock option plan.
Musk’s wealth has seen significant fluctuations over the years. For example, during periods when Tesla’s stock price surges, his net worth can increase by billions in a matter of days. Conversely, declines in Tesla’s stock or broader market downturns can reduce his wealth by billions almost overnight. Analysts often calculate Musk’s daily earnings based on changes in his net worth rather than a fixed income.
How Much Does Elon Musk Make a Day?
To estimate how much Elon Musk makes per day, financial analysts typically examine the growth of his net worth over a given year. If we assume Musk’s net worth grows at an average rate of $60 billion per year—a conservative estimate based on recent stock performance—we can calculate his approximate daily income.
A year has 365 days. Dividing $60 billion by 365 gives roughly $164 million per day. This means that, on average, Elon Musk’s wealth increases by around $164 million every day. Of course, this figure can fluctuate significantly depending on Tesla stock prices, SpaceX valuation milestones, and other financial events.
In some years, his net worth growth has been even more extreme. For example, during Tesla’s rapid rise in 2020, Musk’s daily wealth growth sometimes exceeded $300 million on days when Tesla stock surged. On other days, particularly during market corrections, his net worth can decrease, making his daily earnings negative.
How Much Does Elon Musk Make a Second?
Breaking down Musk’s daily earnings into seconds provides a staggering perspective. A single day has 86,400 seconds. If Musk’s net worth grows by $164 million in a day, dividing that by 86,400 seconds results in approximately $1,900 per second.
This means that every second, Musk is adding nearly $2,000 to his fortune on average. To put that into context, most people in the United States earn around $20 to $30 per hour. Musk, therefore, earns in seconds what a typical person might earn in several weeks.
It is important to note that these calculations are based on net worth growth rather than liquid cash. Musk’s daily earnings are largely theoretical until he decides to sell stock or realize gains through other means. Selling large amounts of stock could impact the market and Tesla’s stock price, which is why much of his wealth remains tied up in assets rather than cash.
Musk’s Compensation Structure
Elon Musk’s daily and per-second earnings are unusual because of his unique compensation plan. In 2018, Tesla shareholders approved a massive 10-year performance award for Musk. Unlike traditional salaries, this plan rewards him with stock options only if Tesla achieves specific market capitalization and operational milestones. The plan does not guarantee a salary, and Musk has repeatedly stated that he has taken zero cash salary from Tesla since becoming CEO.
When Musk hits certain targets—such as Tesla reaching a set market capitalization or revenue milestones—he gains options to purchase millions of shares at pre-determined prices. The stock’s market value at the time of exercising these options is what contributes to his rapid wealth growth, explaining why his net worth can surge by billions in a single day.
Sources of Wealth Beyond Tesla
While Tesla is the primary driver of Musk’s wealth, SpaceX is another significant contributor. SpaceX remains privately held, but recent funding rounds have valued the company at around $140 billion. Musk owns roughly 43% of SpaceX, which means that any valuation increase directly boosts his net worth. SpaceX milestones, such as successful launches or new contracts with NASA and commercial partners, can thus contribute to his daily and per-second earnings, albeit less visibly than Tesla stock movements.
Other ventures, including Neuralink and The Boring Company, provide additional wealth potential, although they are smaller compared to Tesla and SpaceX. Musk’s ability to innovate and invest in high-growth projects continues to fuel his extraordinary accumulation of wealth.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s earnings per day and per second are extraordinary by any standard. Based on net worth growth estimates, he makes approximately $164 million per day, which translates to about $1,900 per second. This calculation highlights how wealth tied to stock and company valuation can grow at a pace unimaginable to most people.
Musk’s compensation strategy—relying on performance-based stock options—sets him apart from other billionaires who may depend on salaries, dividends, or other income. While much of this wealth is tied up in stocks and private holdings, it illustrates the immense financial scale at which Elon Musk operates.
His earnings, while staggering, are a direct reflection of his companies’ success, the stock market, and his ambitious ventures into space, AI, and transportation. For the rest of the world, Musk’s per-second income is a remarkable illustration of how wealth in the 21st century can accumulate at unprecedented speeds.
