Here's How US Billionaires Got Rich, From Tech to Finance | Entrepreneur

"Some of the richest people in the world - Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg - made their fortunes in Silicon Valley. However, a new report in the Wall Street Journal suggests that most U.S. billionaires did not amass their wealth in tech. Instead, it's the banking and finance fields that have produced most of the country's super-rich. According to data shared with the WSJ from wealth intelligence company Altrata, there were 1,135 billionaires in the U.S. last year, up from 927 in 2020."

"Approximately 300 billionaires made their money in banking and finance, while an estimated 110 came from the tech sector. Meanwhile, 75 billionaires earned their money in real estate. Many, of course, got a head start by inheriting wealth. One-third of U.S. billionaires received some or all of their wealth from an inheritance, per Altrata. The data shows that U.S. billionaires are worth $5.7 trillion in total. Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg alone comprise about $1 trillion, or nearly one-sixth, of that wealth."

"Altrata also found that billionaires tend to live in one state above all others: California. The highest percentage of them, about 255 people, live in the Golden State. However, they have primary businesses in nearly every U.S. state, except for Wyoming and Alaska. The list of U.S. billionaires includes some recognizable names, including Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Google co-founder Sergey Brin, as well as some more private individuals, like Diane Hendricks, co-founder of ABC Supply, North America's biggest distributor of building products."

There were 1,135 billionaires in the U.S. last year, up from 927 in 2020. Approximately 300 billionaires made their money in banking and finance, while about 110 came from the tech sector and 75 from real estate. One-third of U.S. billionaires received some or all of their wealth from an inheritance. U.S. billionaires collectively hold $5.7 trillion, with Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg comprising about $1 trillion. About 255 billionaires live in California, though primary businesses span nearly every state except Wyoming and Alaska. The list includes both high-profile founders and more private individuals.

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