• Source:JND
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Elon Musk salary: In what is being called the biggest salary deal in history, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has secured a record-breaking compensation package worth nearly USD 1 trillion (around Rs 83 lakh crore). The deal, approved by around 75 per cent of Tesla shareholders, could make Musk the first trillionaire in the world if he meets a set of tough performance goals over the next decade.

The proposal was passed at Tesla’s annual general meeting (AGM) held in Austin, Texas. The company’s investors, ranging from small shareholders to global funds, voted overwhelmingly in Musk’s favour despite concerns over the massive payout.

Musk described the approval as “a defining moment in Tesla’s journey,” adding that the company is “opening an entirely new chapter in innovation.” Following the announcement, Musk appeared on stage smiling and even danced with Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, celebrating what many called a historic corporate moment.

Trillion-Dollar Target Linked To Tesla’s Performance

According to Reuters, Musk’s pay package is tied entirely to Tesla’s future performance. He will receive 12 separate stock grants only if Tesla achieves specific milestones, including boosting its market value from USD 1.5 trillion to USD 8.5 trillion, deploying 1 million robotaxis, selling 12 million additional vehicles, and producing 1 million humanoid robots.

Tesla’s board defended the massive package, stating that it is essential to ensure Musk remains focused on the company amid his other ventures — including SpaceX, Neuralink, and xAI. Rejecting the package, the board warned, could have risked losing Musk’s leadership at a crucial time.

The new plan is nearly 18 times larger than Musk’s controversial 2018 deal, which was valued at $56 billion. If he achieves all performance targets, Musk’s wealth could surpass the GDP of most countries, exceeding the economies of nations like Belgium, Sweden, and Singapore, according to World Bank 2024 data. Currently, Musk’s net worth stands at over USD 500 billion (₹42 lakh crore), largely linked to his stakes in Tesla, SpaceX, and his AI startup, xAI.

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Package Larger Than Nations’ Economies

In comparison, the world’s highest-paid executives earn only a fraction of Musk’s potential income.
According to Reuters (2024 data):

• Satya Nadella (Microsoft) – USD 79 million ( Rs 657 crore)
• Tim Cook (Apple) – USD 75 million (Rs 623 crore)
• Jensen Huang (Nvidia) – USD 50 million (Rs 415 crore)

Even collectively, their combined earnings remain far below Musk’s staggering deal.

The USD 1 trillion package is three times larger than Pakistan’s GDP and slightly below that of Poland, a country with over 36 million people. Only 20 countries in the world currently have a GDP greater than Musk’s total approved compensation.

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Despite criticism from some investors and advisory firms, Tesla’s board insists the decision is about “securing the future of innovation.” With this deal, Elon Musk not only cements his position as the richest man alive but also sets a new benchmark in corporate history — one that could redefine how companies reward visionary leadership.

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