Tim Paterson Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Tim Paterson, a name that’s synonymous with the early days of Microsoft, kicked off his career in the tech industry in the late 1970s. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Paterson’s fascination with computers began at an early age. He honed his skills in programming and electronics, eventually landing a job at Seattle Computer Products (SCP) in 1979.

At SCP, Paterson was tasked with creating an operating system for the company’s new 8086-based computer. Seeing an opportunity to create something innovative, Paterson decided to model his OS on the popular CP/M system. He worked tirelessly, often pulling all-nighters, to complete the project. Little did he know that this operating system, which he named QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System), would soon catapult him to fame.

**Tim Paterson’s Current Net Worth (2025)**

As of 2025, Tim Paterson’s current net worth is estimated to be around $200 million, according to the latest available information. This significant wealth can be attributed primarily to his pioneering work in the tech industry, particularly his role in creating MS-DOS for Microsoft.

**Career**

Tim Paterson, often referred to as the “Father of MS-DOS,” began his career at Seattle Computer Products (SCP) in 1979. In 1980, he wrote the Quick and Dirty Operating System (QDOS), which later became MS-DOS after Microsoft purchased the rights. Paterson then joined Microsoft in 1981, where he played a pivotal role in the development and success of MS-DOS, which became the standard operating system for IBM PCs and compatibles.

**Other Ventures**

After leaving Microsoft in 1983, Paterson co-founded a software company called QA Labs, focusing on quality assurance tools for the software industry. He later served as the CEO of another software company, Virtual Computer Corporation, which developed virtual machine software. Paterson also held various executive positions in other tech companies before retiring from the industry.

**Assets**

Tim Paterson’s assets include a substantial portfolio of stocks, primarily in tech companies, and real estate investments. He owns a sprawling estate in the Seattle area, valued at over $10 million, and several other properties across the United States. Paterson also holds several patents related to operating systems and computer software.

**Annual Income**

While Paterson’s exact annual income is not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest that his earnings from his various ventures, investments, and royalties from MS-DOS could amount to tens of millions of dollars per year. However, it’s important to note that these earnings can fluctuate significantly and may not be consistent from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Tim Paterson

Frequently Asked Questions about Tim Paterson

1. What is Tim Paterson’s net worth?

Tim Paterson’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.

2. Who is Tim Paterson?

Tim Paterson is an American software developer and entrepreneur, best known for creating MS-DOS for Microsoft.

3. When was Tim Paterson born?

Tim Paterson was born on March 18, 1956.

4. Where was Tim Paterson born?

Tim Paterson was born in Seattle, Washington, USA.

5. What is Tim Paterson’s role in the creation of MS-DOS?

Tim Paterson created MS-DOS in 1980, initially calling it QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System). He later licensed it to Microsoft, which renamed it MS-DOS.

6. What happened to Tim Paterson after Microsoft bought QDOS?

After Microsoft bought QDOS, Paterson worked for Microsoft from 1981 to 1988. He then left to start his own company, Seattle Computer Products, which he later sold.

7. What other companies has Tim Paterson founded?

After Seattle Computer Products, Paterson founded Tim Paterson & Associates and later, Activerse, Inc.

8. What is Activerse, Inc.?

Activerse, Inc. is a software company founded by Tim Paterson in 1994. It focuses on developing embedded operating systems and related technologies.

9. What awards has Tim Paterson received?

Tim Paterson has received several awards, including the IEEE John Von Neumann Medal in 2005 and the Computer History Museum Fellow Award in 2015.

10. What is Tim Paterson’s involvement in the open-source community?

Paterson has contributed to the open-source community by releasing some of his work under open-source licenses. He has also spoken at open-source conferences and events.