Lonnie Johnson Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Lonnie Johnson, born in 1960, kicked off his career in the U.S. Air Force, where he honed his engineering skills and developed a passion for innovation. After his military service, he moved to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where he worked on the Space Shuttle main engine.
In 1998, Johnson’s career took a significant turn when he invented the Super Soaker water gun. This revolutionary toy, which he initially called “Power Drencher,” was a result of his work on a heat pump for NASA. The toy’s success catapulted Johnson to fame, making him a household name and a symbol of African American inventors.
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Lonnie Johnson’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Lonnie Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. This figure reflects his successful career as an inventor and entrepreneur.
Career
Lonnie Johnson is a renowned inventor and engineer, best known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. He has over 120 patents to his name, spanning various fields such as electronics, aeronautics, and biotechnology. Johnson’s career began at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked on the Galileo and Cassini space missions. He later founded his own company, Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc., to commercialize his inventions.
Other Ventures
In addition to his work as an inventor, Johnson is also a successful entrepreneur. He has founded several companies, including Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc., and Johnson Electro-Mechanical Systems. He has also served as an advisor to various startups and has invested in several tech companies. Johnson is also a passionate advocate for STEM education and has established the Johnson STEM Activity Center in Atlanta to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Assets
Lonnie Johnson’s assets include his patent portfolio, which is valued at millions of dollars. He also owns several properties, including a home in Atlanta, Georgia. His company, Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc., is another significant asset, with a valuation that reflects its successful track record of commercializing innovative technologies. Johnson also has investments in various tech companies, which contribute to his overall net worth.
Annual Income
Lonnie Johnson’s annual income is primarily derived from his company, Johnson Research and Development Co., Inc., which generates revenue through the licensing of his patents and the sale of his inventions. He also earns income through his investments in tech companies and his work as an advisor to startups. Johnson’s exact annual income is not publicly disclosed, but his net worth provides an indication of his overall earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lonnie Johnson
**Frequently Asked Questions: Lonnie Johnson Net Worth**
Q1: What is Lonnie Johnson’s net worth?
Lonnie Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Q2: How did Lonnie Johnson make his money?
Lonnie Johnson made his fortune primarily as an inventor and engineer. He is best known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun, which became a global phenomenon and generated significant royalties.
Q3: What other inventions has Lonnie Johnson created?
Besides the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson has also invented the Johnson Thermoelectric Energy Converter (JTEC), a device that converts heat directly into electricity, and the Johnson Battery, which aims to improve upon traditional battery technology.
Q4: When was the Super Soaker invented?
The Super Soaker was invented in 1989.
Q5: How many Super Soakers have been sold worldwide?
Over 200 million Super Soakers have been sold worldwide since its invention.
Q6: What is Lonnie Johnson’s background in engineering?
Lonnie Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University and later worked as an aerospace engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Q7: Has Lonnie Johnson received any awards for his inventions?
Yes, Lonnie Johnson has received numerous awards for his inventions, including the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Black Engineer of the Year Award in 2017.
Q8: What is Lonnie Johnson’s current role at JTEC Labs?
Lonnie Johnson is the CEO and founder of JTEC Labs, a research and development company focused on clean energy and advanced materials.
Q9: Does Lonnie Johnson have any patents?
Yes, Lonnie Johnson has been granted over 100 patents for his inventions.
Q10: What is Lonnie Johnson’s advice for aspiring inventors?
Lonnie Johnson often encourages aspiring inventors to pursue their ideas, stay persistent, and not be discouraged by failures. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving.