Thomas Edison, born in 1847, began his career as a telegraph operator at the age of 16, marking the start of his lifelong fascination with electricity. He quickly moved from operating telegraphs to inventing and improving upon them, earning him the nickname “The Wizard of Menlo Park.”

Edison’s rise to fame was rapid and impressive. By the age of 30, he had already been granted 200 U.S. patents, a testament to his prolific and innovative mind. His most renowned invention, the practical electric light bulb, catapulted him into the limelight, making him a household name and solidifying his status as one of America’s most prolific inventors.

Thomas Edison’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Thomas Edison’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. This figure takes into account his patents, investments, and the value of his former estate, Glenmont. It’s important to note that this is an estimation, as the actual value of Edison’s wealth can be challenging to pin down due to the historical nature of his assets.

Career

Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman who has been described as one of the most prolific inventors in history. He held a total of 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, as well as many others in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Edison is best known for inventing the practical electric light bulb, but his work also included improvements to the telegraph and telephone, the phonograph, and a motion picture camera.

Other Ventures

In addition to his inventions, Edison was also a successful businessman. He established the first industrial research laboratory in the U.S. in 1876, known as the Edison Laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey. Here, he developed a system of mass production for his inventions, which allowed him to bring his innovations to the market quickly and efficiently. Edison also founded several companies, including General Electric, which is still a major corporation today.

Assets

Edison’s most valuable assets include his patents, which he licensed to various companies for a fee. He also owned a large estate in West Orange, New Jersey, known as Glenmont. The estate includes a 29-room mansion, a library, a greenhouse, and several other buildings. Edison’s personal papers, including his notebooks and correspondence, are also valuable assets, many of which are housed in the Library of Congress.

Annual Income

At the peak of his career, Thomas Edison’s annual income was estimated to be around $10 million. This is equivalent to approximately $125 million in today’s dollars. Edison’s income came from a variety of sources, including royalties from his patents, the sale of his inventions, and his investments in various businesses. Despite his wealth, Edison was known for being frugal and reinvesting much of his income into his research and development efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Thomas Edison

Frequently Asked Questions: Thomas Edison Net Worth

1. What was Thomas Edison’s net worth?

Thomas Edison’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 billion at the time of his death in 1931, when adjusted for inflation.

2. How did Thomas Edison make his fortune?

Edison made his fortune through his inventions and businesses. He held a world record of 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, as well as many others in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. His most famous inventions include the practical electric light bulb, the phonograph, and a motion picture camera.

3. What was Thomas Edison’s occupation?

Thomas Edison was an inventor, businessman, and scientist. He is considered one of the most prolific inventors in history.

4. How many patents did Thomas Edison have?

Edison was granted a total of 1,093 U.S. patents in his name, along with many others in foreign countries.

5. What was Thomas Edison’s most famous invention?

Edison’s most famous invention is the practical electric light bulb, which he developed in 1879. However, he also made significant contributions to the phonograph and motion picture camera.

6. When was Thomas Edison born?

Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio.

7. When did Thomas Edison die?

Edison died on October 18, 1931, in West Orange, New Jersey, at the age of 84.

8. What was Thomas Edison’s education like?

Edison was primarily self-educated, as he only attended school for about three months. He was largely homeschooled by his mother after being removed from school due to his hyperactivity and curiosity.

9. What was Thomas Edison’s first invention?

Edison’s first invention was a vote recorder, which he created at the age of 15. It was designed to record votes electronically and was used in the U.S. Congress for a short period.

10. What was Thomas Edison’s last invention?

Edison’s last patent, number 1,093, was for a device called the “Electrical Generator.” It was granted on December 13, 1928, just a few years before his death.