Elon Musk’s 2022 Tesla Compensation Tops $158 Million, WSJ Reports

The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc., earned over $158 million in compensation last year, making it one of the highest-paid executives in the automotive industry.

The figure includes Musk’s base salary, stock options, and other benefits, according to the WSJ. Musk’s pay has surged in recent years as Tesla’s stock has risen, though his base salary has remained relatively flat compared to the value of his equity awards.

The article also noted that Musk’s compensation is tied to Tesla’s performance, with a significant portion of his pay linked to the company’s stock price. Critics have often scrutinized his pay, especially amid concerns about Tesla’s labor practices and safety issues, while supporters argue it reflects the company’s growth and innovation.

The WSJ cited Tesla’s annual proxy statement as the source of the compensation details, highlighting that Musk’s equity awards represent a large portion of his total earnings, reflecting the company’s heavy reliance on stock-based incentives for its executives.