Steve Wozniak Net Worth: The Wealth and Legacy of Apple’s Co-Founder
Steve Wozniak, affectionately known as “Woz,” is a legendary figure in the tech industry and one of the original co-founders of Apple Inc. Alongside Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne, Wozniak played a crucial role in creating the personal computer revolution that changed the world. While he is not as publicly prominent as Jobs, Wozniak’s technical genius laid the foundation for what would become one of the most valuable companies on Earth. With such a pivotal role in tech history, it’s no surprise that Steve Wozniak net worth has been a subject of interest for decades.
In this article, we explore Wozniak’s wealth, career journey, contributions to technology, and his life beyond Apple.
Steve Wozniak Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Steve Wozniak |
| Net Worth (2025 figure) | $140 million (estimated) |
| Profession | Computer Engineer, Co-founder of Apple Inc. |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth Date | August 11, 1950 |
| Birth Place | San Jose, California, USA |
| Age (in 2025) | 74 years |
| Residence | Los Gatos, California, USA |
| Marital Status | Married (Janet Hill) |
| Children | Three |
| Career Started | 1976 (Co-founding Apple) |
| Business | Technology (Co-founder of Apple), Public Speaking, Author, Tech Ventures (CL 9, WOZ U, startups), Investments |
| Role | Co-founder of Apple Inc., inventor of Apple I and Apple II |
| Fame | Legendary co-founder of Apple, pivotal figure in the personal computer revolution |
| Legacy | His engineering genius laid the foundation for Apple’s success and the personal computing era |
| Notable Achievements | – Co-founded Apple Computer Inc. (1976) – Inventor of the Apple I and Apple II computers – Member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame – Recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation – Author of “iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon” – Founded WOZ U, a tech education platform |
| Success Journey | – Developed early computer-like devices as a teenager – Teamed up with Steve Jobs to found Apple – Engineered the revolutionary Apple I and Apple II – Left Apple in 1985 to pursue other ventures and philanthropy – Became a sought-after speaker and advocate for tech education |
| Source of Income | – Apple Stock and Dividends – Public Speaking and Appearances – Books and Media (royalties) – Tech Ventures and Investments (equity, business income) – Philanthropic Funding and Honorariums |
| Family | – Father: Francis Jacob Wozniak (engineer) – Mother: Margaret Louise Wozniak – Married to Janet Hill – Three children from previous relationships |
| Trivia | – Known as “Woz.” – Famously gave away Apple stock to overlooked employees. – Competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2009. – Deeply committed to education and social causes, particularly STEM education. – Prefers a low-key lifestyle despite his fame. |
Family
Steve Wozniak was born in San Jose, California, to Margaret Louise and Francis Jacob Wozniak, an engineer at Lockheed Corporation. His father instilled in him a love for electronics and mathematics at a young age. Wozniak has been married four times and is currently married to Janet Hill, an education advocate and author. He has three children from previous relationships and values a private, down-to-earth lifestyle despite his fame and fortune.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Steve Wozniak’s net worth is estimated to be around $140 million. Although this figure is significantly lower than his former partner Steve Jobs or current Apple executives, it’s important to note that Wozniak voluntarily left billions on the table when he left Apple in the 1980s.
Wozniak has famously said he “never did it for the money.” He gave away shares of Apple stock to employees who had been overlooked during the company’s IPO and chose a more humble and philanthropic life rather than chasing massive wealth. Much of his current net worth comes from his Apple holdings, speaking engagements, book sales, and personal tech ventures.
Age
Born on August 11, 1950, Steve Wozniak is 74 years old as of 2025. Despite his age, he remains active in the tech community, frequently speaking at conferences and advocating for ethical technology and education.
Personal Life
Wozniak is known for his affable personality, humor, and generous spirit. Unlike many Silicon Valley elites, he prefers a low-key lifestyle and is deeply committed to education and social causes. He enjoys participating in tech expos, music festivals, and nerd culture events like Comic-Con.
He has described himself as a geek at heart and is passionate about everything from video games to rock music. Wozniak even competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2009, showing off his playful and outgoing nature.
Professional Life
Steve Wozniak’s professional legacy is deeply tied to the founding of Apple Computer Inc. in 1976. At the time, he was working at Hewlett-Packard when he teamed up with Steve Jobs to develop and sell the Apple I computer. Wozniak was the engineering mastermind behind the Apple I and its revolutionary successor, the Apple II, which became one of the first mass-market personal computers.
The Apple II was a commercial hit and helped launch the company into rapid success. Wozniak’s elegant design and innovative use of hardware made Apple a pioneer in the personal computing era.
After surviving a serious plane crash in 1981, Wozniak took a step back from Apple and eventually left the company in 1985. However, he remained a shareholder and advocate for its mission. In later years, he focused on education, charity work, and launching smaller tech ventures.
Success Journey
Wozniak’s journey from a curious teenager building gadgets in his garage to a tech icon is the embodiment of Silicon Valley’s origin story. He built his first computer-like devices as a teenager and was heavily influenced by his father’s engineering background. Woz’s partnership with Steve Jobs was built on mutual respect and complementary strengths—Jobs was the visionary and marketer, while Wozniak was the engineering genius.
Their collaboration led to the Apple I and Apple II, which revolutionized how people interacted with computers. Wozniak’s work helped usher in the era of personal computing, democratizing technology and laying the groundwork for the digital age.
After leaving Apple, Wozniak turned his attention to philanthropy and teaching. He founded several tech startups, supported young entrepreneurs, and donated generously to causes related to education and technology access.
Source of Income
1. Apple Stock and Dividends
Although Wozniak sold much of his Apple stock early on, he still retained a portion of it and benefited from its appreciation over the years. He receives dividends and has profited from the company’s tremendous growth.
2. Public Speaking and Appearances
Steve Wozniak is a sought-after speaker and frequently appears at technology conferences, universities, and global events. He earns tens of thousands of dollars per event, sharing his experiences and perspectives on innovation, ethics, and the future of technology.
3. Books and Media
Wozniak’s autobiography, “iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon”, has sold well and contributed to his income. He has also appeared in documentaries and tech-related television programs, earning appearance fees and royalties.
4. Tech Ventures and Investments
Wozniak has invested in a number of startups and co-founded companies like:
- CL 9 (universal remote control)
- WOZ U (a tech education platform)
- Various educational and robotics startups
These ventures align with his passion for tech education and innovation and contribute to Steve Wozniak’s net worth through equity and business income.
Steve Wozniak’s pivotal role in the creation of Apple and his subsequent ventures showcase a unique path to influence and wealth in the tech world, a journey that can be contrasted with the experiences of personalities like Rob Kardashian Net Worth, who have navigated fame and fortune through different avenues in the entertainment and business sectors.
5. Philanthropic Funding and Honorariums
Though not a traditional source of income, Wozniak receives honorariums and compensation for participating in charitable and educational initiatives, helping fund his continued philanthropic mission.
Major Achievements
- Co-founder of Apple Inc., one of the most valuable companies in the world
- Inventor of the Apple I and Apple II computers
- Member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame
- Recipient of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
- Author of best-selling autobiography iWoz
- Founded WOZ U, an educational platform for tech skills
- Influential advocate for ethics and transparency in technology
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Steve Wozniak is deeply committed to philanthropy and education. He has donated millions to schools, technology programs, and foundations that aim to improve access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.
Some notable contributions include:
- Funding technology labs in California public schools
- Supporting FIRST Robotics, a youth robotics competition
- Establishing scholarships and grants for underprivileged students
He also created WOZ U, an educational platform designed to help students develop practical tech skills in software development, cybersecurity, and data science. His vision is to make tech education more accessible and inclusive.
While Steve Wozniak’s impact lies in the foundation of personal computing, leading to significant, though intentionally managed, financial success, figures such as Kyle Richards Net Worth have also built substantial wealth through their careers in television and entrepreneurial pursuits, highlighting diverse ways individuals achieve financial prominence.
Conclusion
Steve Wozniak’s net worth of approximately $140 million is a testament not only to his groundbreaking contributions to the tech industry but also to his personal values. Wozniak’s wealth is built on creativity, engineering brilliance, and a deep belief in making technology accessible to everyone. Unlike many tech billionaires, Woz chose a path rooted in humility, education, and social good. His legacy lives not just in the products he helped create but in the countless lives he’s inspired. As he continues to innovate and educate, Wozniak remains a beloved figure whose impact on the world goes far beyond dollars. For more articles, visit GuideOria.
