Tesla paid Elon Musk $158.4B in 2025 via a stock plan worth up to $1T if targets met

In 2025, Tesla CEO Elon Musk received executive compensation valued at nearly $158.4 billion, primarily from a stock-based plan designed to retain him and focus his efforts on Tesla despite his other business commitments. This 10-year compensation plan, approved by shareholders in late 2025, could be worth up to $1 trillion if Musk achieves all the company’s performance targets. Musk currently holds about a 20.3% stake in Tesla and aims to increase his ownership. This compensation structure aligns Musk’s interests with Tesla’s long-term growth and shareholder value.