Startup Originals Team
A former SpaceX welder who once earned just $28 (around ₹2,600) per hour has become a millionaire thanks to employee stock ownership. Juan Hernandez, who previously worked at SpaceX, now reportedly owns company shares worth around $1 million (approximately ₹10 crore).
His story has gone viral as an example of how employee stock ownership can create life-changing wealth when a company grows rapidly.
From Welder to Millionaire Shareholder
Juan Hernandez joined SpaceX as a welder, helping build components for the company’s rockets and aerospace projects.
At the time, his hourly wage was:
- $28 per hour
- Approximately ₹2,600 per hour
Like many employees at high-growth startups, Hernandez received company shares as part of his compensation package.
Initially, the stock grant was worth only around:
- $10,000
According to Hernandez, he didn’t think much about it at the time and considered it a relatively small benefit.
How the Shares Grew to ₹10 Crore
As SpaceX expanded and became one of the world’s most valuable private companies, the value of employee-held shares increased significantly.
Driven by:
- Successful rocket launches
- NASA contracts
- Starlink expansion
- Rising private market valuations
SpaceX’s valuation surged over the years, dramatically increasing the value of stock held by employees.
As a result, Hernandez’s original share allocation reportedly grew to:
- $1 million
- Around ₹10 crore
Now Working at Blue Origin
After leaving SpaceX, Hernandez joined Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos.
Despite moving to a competitor, he has publicly praised Elon Musk and the opportunities created through employee ownership.
Speaking about Musk, Hernandez reportedly said:
“He’s making all these lives much better.”
The Power of Employee Stock Ownership
The story highlights one of the biggest advantages of working at high-growth technology companies.
While salaries provide immediate income, stock ownership can create substantial long-term wealth if a company succeeds.
Many early employees at companies such as:
- SpaceX
- Tesla
- Amazon
- Meta
have seen their wealth grow significantly because of equity compensation.
For startups, offering shares also helps attract and retain talented employees who believe in the company’s long-term vision.
The Bigger Picture
Employee stock ownership has become a powerful wealth-creation tool in the technology industry.
Instead of rewarding only founders and investors, equity allows employees to participate directly in the company’s growth.
Stories like Hernandez’s show how:
- Skilled workers
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Manufacturing employees
can also benefit when innovative companies achieve massive success.
Conclusion
Juan Hernandez’s journey from earning ₹2,600 per hour as a SpaceX welder to owning shares worth ₹10 crore demonstrates the life-changing potential of employee stock ownership. His story serves as a reminder that in high-growth companies, equity can sometimes become even more valuable than salary, rewarding employees who contribute to building the business from the ground up.
