John D Rockefeller Net Worth (Updated 2025).

John D. Rockefeller, born in 1839, began his career at the age of 16, working as an assistant bookkeeper for a produce commission house in Cleveland, Ohio. He quickly demonstrated his aptitude for business, saving his earnings and investing them wisely. By 1859, at the age of 20, he had already established his first business, a commission house called Rockefeller & Andrews.

Rockefeller’s big break came in 1863 when he partnered with Maurice B. Clark to form Rockefeller, Andrews & Clark, a successful commission and shipping business. However, it was his entry into the oil industry in 1865 that truly set the stage for his future fame. He co-founded the company that would eventually become Standard Oil, marking the beginning of his rise to become one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in American history.

John D. Rockefeller’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, John D. Rockefeller’s net worth is estimated to be around $336 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him the second-richest person in history, after Mansa Musa. However, it’s important to note that Rockefeller died in 1937, and this figure represents the inflation-adjusted value of his wealth.

John D. Rockefeller’s Career

John D. Rockefeller, an American business magnate and philanthropist, co-founded Standard Oil in 1870. He became one of the wealthiest and most powerful businessmen in the world, controlling over 90% of the oil refineries and pipelines in the U.S. at his peak. He retired in 1897 but remained active in philanthropy until his death in 1937.

Other Ventures

Rockefeller’s philanthropic endeavors were vast and impactful. He established the University of Chicago, founded the General Education Board, and was a major donor to the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. He also contributed significantly to the construction of the Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Assets

Rockefeller’s assets included extensive real estate, such as his estate in Kykuit, New York, and his winter home in Ormond Beach, Florida. He also owned a significant stake in the Standard Oil Company, which was later broken up due to antitrust laws. His philanthropic contributions are considered some of his most lasting assets.

Annual Income

At the height of his career, John D. Rockefeller’s annual income was estimated to be around $50 million, which would be equivalent to approximately $1.5 billion in today’s dollars. This made him one of the highest-paid individuals in U.S. history. However, his income varied significantly over his career.

Frequently Asked Questions about  John D Rockefeller

Frequently Asked Questions: John D. Rockefeller Net Worth

1. What was John D. Rockefeller’s net worth?

John D. Rockefeller’s net worth was estimated to be around $400 billion in today’s value.

2. How did John D. Rockefeller make his fortune?

Rockefeller made his fortune primarily through Standard Oil, an oil refinery business he founded in 1870. He was one of the leading figures in the American oil industry and a key figure in the development of the modern business corporation.

3. When was John D. Rockefeller born?

John D. Rockefeller was born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York.

4. When did John D. Rockefeller die?

Rockefeller died on May 23, 1937, at the age of 97 in Ormond Beach, Florida.

5. What was John D. Rockefeller’s role in the Standard Oil Company?

Rockefeller was the co-founder and first president of Standard Oil. He played a significant role in the company’s growth and success, using his business acumen to make it one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world at the time.

6. How much money did John D. Rockefeller donate to charity?

Rockefeller was a significant philanthropist. By the time of his death, he had given away nearly $550 million (around $9 billion in today’s value) to various charitable causes, including education, health, and scientific research.

7. What was John D. Rockefeller’s political affiliation?

Rockefeller was a lifelong Republican and was a significant financial backer of the Republican Party during his lifetime.

8. Did John D. Rockefeller have any children?

Yes, Rockefeller had five children with his wife Laura Spelman Rockefeller: John D. Rockefeller Jr., Alice, Alta, Edith, and Percy.

9. What was John D. Rockefeller’s relationship with his son John D. Rockefeller Jr.?

Rockefeller had a complex relationship with his son John Jr. While they were close, they also had disagreements, particularly over John Jr.’s philanthropic efforts and his desire to distance himself from his father’s business practices.

10. What is the Rockefeller Foundation?

The Rockefeller Foundation is a philanthropic organization established by John D. Rockefeller in 1913. It was one of the first major foundations in the United States and continues to support a variety of causes, including arts and culture, education, health, and social justice.