George Eastman Net Worth (Updated 2026).

George Eastman, a name synonymous with the birth of modern photography, was born on July 12, 1854, in Waterville, New York. He began his career as a bank clerk in Rochester, New York, at the age of 14 after his father’s untimely death. It was during this time that Eastman’s curiosity for photography was sparked, when he saved enough money to purchase a camera and take his first photographs.

George Eastman’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, George Eastman’s net worth is estimated to be around $350 million. This is primarily due to his groundbreaking work in photography and the enduring success of Kodak, the company he founded.

Career

George Eastman was an American inventor and entrepreneur, best known for inventing roll film and for founding Kodak. He started his career as a bank clerk, but his passion for photography led him to experiment with dry plates and eventually develop the first flexible roll film in 1884. In 1888, he founded the Eastman Dry Plate and Film Company, which later became Kodak. Eastman served as its president until his death in 1932.

Other Ventures

Besides Kodak, Eastman also founded the Eastman School of Music in 1921. He was a passionate music lover and believed that music education should be accessible to all. He also established the Eastman Dental Dispensary in 1916, which later became the Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Assets

Eastman’s most significant asset is his stake in Kodak, which he owned through his holding company, Eastman Kodak Company. He also owned several properties, including his estate in Rochester, New York, and a winter home in Florida. His personal art collection, which included works by Renoir and Monet, was valued at over $1 million at the time of his death.

Annual Income

Eastman’s annual income varied throughout his career. At the height of Kodak’s success in the early 1900s, he was earning millions of dollars per year. However, he was also known for his philanthropy and donated large sums of money to various causes. In his later years, he lived modestly and donated much of his wealth to charitable organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions about  George Eastman

George Eastman Net Worth FAQs

1. What was George Eastman’s net worth?

George Eastman’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million at the time of his death in 1932, adjusting for inflation.

2. How did George Eastman make his money?

George Eastman made his fortune by inventing and developing the Kodak camera and founding the Eastman Kodak Company. He also held over 200 patents related to photography.

3. When was George Eastman born?

George Eastman was born on July 12, 1854, in Waterville, New York.

4. When did George Eastman die?

George Eastman died on March 14, 1932, in Rochester, New York.

5. What was George Eastman’s contribution to photography?

George Eastman’s most significant contribution to photography was the invention of the Kodak camera and the introduction of roll film, which made photography more accessible to the general public.

6. How did George Eastman influence the photography industry?

George Eastman’s innovations and business strategies transformed the photography industry. He made photography more affordable and accessible, leading to its widespread use and popularity.

7. What was the Kodak camera?

The Kodak camera was a simple, portable camera introduced by George Eastman in 1888. It was designed to be easy to use and affordable, with the slogan “You press the button, we do the rest.”

8. What was George Eastman’s role in the founding of the Eastman Kodak Company?

George Eastman founded the Eastman Kodak Company in 1888, serving as its president until his death in 1932. He led the company’s growth and expansion, making it a dominant force in the photography industry.

9. What was George Eastman’s philanthropic work?

George Eastman was a generous philanthropist. He established the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester and made significant donations to various educational and cultural institutions.

10. How did George Eastman die?

George Eastman died by suicide in 1932, at the age of 77. He suffered from a degenerative spinal disease that caused him considerable pain and discomfort.