Wealth Story

How Steve Ballmer Built the Fortune

Steve Ballmer is worth an estimated $133.24B today — #10 on the world's rich list. Former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The fortune didn't appear overnight. The first milestone on the public record came at age 24: joined microsoft. Everything after that is a chain of documented decisions — this is that chain, year by year.

The Milestones

1980: Joined Microsoft

at age 24

Became Microsoft's first business manager and 30th employee.

2000: Became CEO

at age 44

Succeeded Bill Gates as Microsoft's chief executive.

2014: Stepped down as CEO

at age 58

Retired as Microsoft CEO, succeeded by Satya Nadella.

2014: Bought the LA Clippers

at age 58

Purchased the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion.

Today: #10 in the world

Steve's net worth is an estimated $133.24B, updated in real time from public holdings. See the live number →

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Milestones are drawn from widely-reported public history; ages are computed from the birth year and can be off by one depending on the month. Net worth is our real-time estimate.