Lonnie Johnson’s net worth in 2025 reflects his remarkable journey as an engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur. Known worldwide as the mind behind the Super Soaker, Johnson turned a moment of curiosity into a billion-dollar toy empire. Beyond toys, he continues to innovate in energy technology and holds over 250 patents.
Here’s a look at Lonnie Johnson’s net worth and how he continues to make money through invention, business, and licensing deals.
What is Lonnie Johnson’s net worth in 2025?
Lonnie Johnson has an estimated net worth of $220 million in 2025.
His 2025 net worth includes royalties from the Super Soaker brand, revenue from licensing deals, and profits from his technology companies. Johnson is most famous for inventing the Super Soaker water gun, which became the best-selling toy in the U.S. during the early 1990s and has generated over $2 billion in sales.
What does Lonnie Johnson do for a living?
Lonnie Johnson is an engineer and inventor. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force, followed by positions at NASA where he worked on projects including Galileo, Cassini, and the Mars Observer.
Most recently, Johnson has focused on renewable energy innovations through his companies, Excellatron and Johnson Electro-Mechanical Systems. He also manages Johnson Real Estate Investments and remains active in philanthropic boards in Atlanta.
Lonnie Johnson’s earnings explained — how does he make money?
Lonnie Johnson earns money from:
- Invention royalties (primarily the Super Soaker)
- Licensing deals with Hasbro
- Technology companies in battery and energy development
- Real estate investments
Although his most well-known invention dates back to the early 1990s, Johnson still earns from Super Soaker sales. In 2013, he won a $73 million settlement from Hasbro for unpaid royalties. His energy innovations also hold commercial potential, especially his Johnson Thermo-Electrochemical Converter System.
While Lonnie Johnson, the inventor, remains financially successful, it is important not to confuse him with Lonnie Johnson Jr., the NFL player recently in the news for suffering a leg injury during practice with the Las Vegas Raiders.