Super Soaker Inventor Net Worth (Updated 2026).
Larry Water was an unassuming engineer working for Larami Toys in the late 1980s when he decided to tackle a common childhood dilemma: the lack of powerful, long-range water guns. With a background in pressure vessels and a knack for innovation, Water set out to create a water gun that could outperform its peers.
After months of tinkering in his garage, Water’s persistence paid off. He developed a novel design that utilized a pressurized chamber to launch water streams up to 50 feet, a significant improvement over the 10-15 foot range of contemporary water guns. This groundbreaking invention would eventually become the Super Soaker, a toy that would revolutionize summer fun and launch its creator to fame.
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Larry Wood’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Larry Wood’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This notable figure is a testament to his innovative career and entrepreneurial spirit.
Career
Larry Wood, a former NASA engineer, is best known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. He spent years perfecting his design, which was eventually licensed to Larami Toys in the late 1980s. The Super Soaker became an instant hit, selling millions of units worldwide and making Wood a household name in the toy industry.
Other Ventures
After the success of the Super Soaker, Wood founded his own company, Wicked Cool Toys, in 1998. The company specializes in creating innovative and high-quality toys. Wood also holds numerous patents for various toy designs, showcasing his continued passion for invention and innovation.
Assets
Larry Wood’s assets include his stake in Wicked Cool Toys, as well as the intellectual property rights to his numerous toy designs. He also owns several properties, including a home in California, and has a diverse investment portfolio, reflecting his savvy business acumen.
Annual Income
As of 2025, Larry Wood’s annual income is estimated to be around $1 million. This income is derived from his stake in Wicked Cool Toys, royalties from his patented toy designs, and his continued involvement in the toy industry as a consultant and inventor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Super Soaker Inventor
Frequently Asked Questions: Super Soaker Inventor Net Worth
1. Who invented the Super Soaker?
Lonnie Johnson, an American engineer and inventor, created the Super Soaker water gun.
2. When was the Super Soaker invented?
The Super Soaker was invented in 1989.
3. What inspired Lonnie Johnson to create the Super Soaker?
Johnson was inspired to create the Super Soaker while working on a new heat pump for his home. He noticed that the pump could create a powerful stream of water, which led him to develop the water gun.
4. How much is Lonnie Johnson’s net worth?
Lonnie Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
5. How did Lonnie Johnson first pitch the Super Soaker?
Johnson first pitched the Super Soaker to the Larami Toy Company, who agreed to manufacture and distribute the water gun. It was later acquired by Hasbro.
6. What is the Super Soaker’s annual sales figure?
The Super Soaker generates over $100 million in annual sales worldwide.
7. How many Super Soaker water guns have been sold?
Over 200 million Super Soaker water guns have been sold since its inception.
8. What other inventions has Lonnie Johnson created?
In addition to the Super Soaker, Johnson holds over 100 patents for various inventions, including a heat pump, a water gun that can shoot 30 feet, and a device that can convert carbon dioxide into fuel.
9. Has Lonnie Johnson received any awards for his inventions?
Yes, Johnson has received numerous awards for his inventions, including the National Medal of Technology, the Black Engineer of the Year Award, and the Lemelson-MIT Prize.
10. What is Lonnie Johnson’s background?
Lonnie Johnson was born in 1949 in Alabama. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University and a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He worked as an engineer for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory before becoming a full-time inventor.
