John Davison Rockefeller Net Worth (Updated 2026).

John Davison Rockefeller, born in 1839, began his career at the age of 16 as an assistant bookkeeper for a produce commission house in Cleveland, Ohio. He quickly demonstrated his aptitude for business, working his way up to become a partner in the firm just a few years later.

In 1863, Rockefeller saw an opportunity in the fledgling oil industry and founded the company that would become Standard Oil. Through shrewd business practices, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions, he grew Standard Oil into a monopoly, controlling over 90% of oil refineries and pipelines in the United States by the 1880s. This made Rockefeller one of the wealthiest men in the world and a household name.

John Davison Rockefeller’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, John Davison Rockefeller’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 billion. This figure is a reflection of the enduring impact of his business acumen and the wealth he accumulated during his lifetime.

John Davison Rockefeller’s Career

John Davison Rockefeller, born in 1839, was an American business magnate and philanthropist. He co-founded the Standard Oil Company in 1870, which dominated the oil industry and grew to control 90% of oil refineries and pipelines in the U.S. by 1882. He retired in 1897, but his influence on the industry persisted.

John Davison Rockefeller’s Other Ventures

Besides Standard Oil, Rockefeller had interests in various other industries. He invested in railroads, banking, real estate, and manufacturing. He also played a significant role in the establishment of the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University, demonstrating his commitment to education and healthcare.

John Davison Rockefeller’s Assets

Rockefeller’s assets were primarily held in stocks and bonds, with a significant portion tied to his involvement in Standard Oil. He also owned extensive real estate, including his estate in Cleveland, Ohio, and a mansion in New York City. His art collection, which included works by Rembrandt and Van Dyck, was one of the most valuable of his time.

John Davison Rockefeller’s Annual Income

At the peak of his career, around 1902, John Davison Rockefeller’s annual income was estimated to be around $50 million, which would be approximately $1.5 billion in today’s value. This substantial income reflected his immense wealth and influence in the American economy.

Frequently Asked Questions about  John Davison Rockefeller

Frequently Asked Questions: John Davison Rockefeller Net Worth

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

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

2. How did Rockefeller make his fortune?

Rockefeller made his fortune primarily through Standard Oil, an oil refinery and marketing company he founded in 1870. He controlled nearly 90% of oil refineries and pipelines in the United States at the peak of his career.

3. When was Rockefeller the richest man in history?

Rockefeller was the richest man in history for much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His wealth was unmatched until the 1980s.

4. What was Rockefeller’s annual salary?

Rockefeller’s annual salary varied throughout his career, but at the height of his wealth, it’s estimated that he made around $50 million per day in today’s value.

5. How much did Rockefeller donate to charity?

Rockefeller donated a significant portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes. He established the Rockefeller Foundation in 1913 and donated over $550 million in today’s value to various charitable organizations.

6. What was Rockefeller’s net worth at the time of his death?

At the time of his death in 1937, Rockefeller’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.4 billion in today’s value.

7. How did Rockefeller become the first billionaire?

Rockefeller became the first billionaire in history by amassing a vast fortune through his business acumen and strategic investments in the oil industry.

8. What was Rockefeller’s net worth in his lifetime?

Rockefeller’s net worth in his lifetime is estimated to have been around $336 billion in today’s value.

9. How did Rockefeller’s wealth compare to the U.S. GDP?

At the height of his wealth, Rockefeller’s net worth was equivalent to approximately 1.5% of the U.S. GDP.

10. What was Rockefeller’s net worth in today’s value?

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