Stockton Rush was a smart businessman and explorer who loved the deep ocean. He is the CEO of OceanGate, a renowned company that develops specialized submarines to operate at depth. However, Stockton Rush net worth became a topic of interest in 2026. He worked in big technology and science businesses. By using ideas, leadership, and courage, he built companies that focused on ocean travel and research.
Stockton Rush did not become rich overnight. His success came from learning, trying new things, and leading teams. He worked on airplanes, space ideas, and underwater projects. By the time of his death in 2023, Stockton Rush’s net worth was estimated at close to $25 million.
Thus, after his death, there is almost no chance of increasing his net worth. As of early 2026, his net worth may have decreased by $12. Stockton Rush’s net worth in early 2026 is estimated to be between $12 and $25 million. His life teaches us how curiosity and hard work can build both knowledge and wealth.
Stockton Rush Wiki Bio
Stockton Rush was a businessman, engineer, and explorer. He liked science, machines, and discovering new places. He became particularly well known for private deep-sea exploration initiatives. His public profile increased significantly after leading multiple underwater expeditions. Below is a detailed biographical table summarizing his personal and professional background.
| Category | Information |
| Full Name | Richard Stockton Rush III |
| Nick Name | Stockton Rush |
| Common Name | Stockton Rush |
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Profession | Businessman, Engineer, Pilot, Explorer |
| Primary Fields | Deep-sea exploration, aerospace engineering |
| Education (High School) | Phillips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire |
| Undergraduate Degree | B.S. in Aerospace Engineering |
| University | Princeton University |
| Graduate Degree | Master of Business Administration |
| Graduate University | University of California, Berkeley |
| Father | Richard Stockton Rush Jr. |
| Mother | Ellen Rush (née Davies) |
| Siblings | Four older siblings |
| Known Sisters | Deborah Rush, Catherine Rush |
| Maternal Grandfather | Ralph K. Davies |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Wife | Wendy Hollings Weil Rush |
| Marriage Year | 1986 |
| Children | Two |
| Debut Career Period | Mid-1980s engineering roles |
| Notable Position | Co-founder & CEO of OceanGate |
| Years Active | 1986–2023 |
| Net Worth (Estimated 2026) | $12 million – $25 million |
| Current Status | Deceased (2023) |
Stockton Rush Age, Height, Weight & Physical Appearances
Stockton Rush had a calm and professional appearance. He appeared to be a thoughtful leader who devoted time to work and study. His physical appearance reflected years of aviation, diving, and hands-on engineering work. He remained physically engaged in exploration activities well into his later years. The table below outlines his verified physical appearances.
| Feature | Details |
| Age at Death | 61 years |
| Age in 2026 if alive | 64 years |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1962 |
| Birthday | March 31 (Saturday) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Place of Birth | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Hometown | San Francisco, California |
| Date of Death | June 18, 2023 |
| Place of Death | North Atlantic Ocean, near the Titanic wreck |
| Cause of Death | Implosion of the Titan submersible |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height (Centimeters) | 180 cm |
| Height (Meters) | 1.80 m |
| Height (Feet/Inches) | 5’11” |
| Weight | Approx. between 75–78 kg |
| Build | Medium / Athletic |
| Body Type | Proportionate |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Facial Hair | Clean-shaven most of the time |
| Tattoos | None Visible During His lifetime |
| Piercings | None Visible During His lifetime |
| Physical Activity | Aviation, diving, and engineering work |
| Health Status (Before Death) | Active |
Stockton Rush’s Early Life and Childhood Background
Stockton Rush was born on March 31, 1962, in San Francisco, California, USA. He grew up in a family where education, discipline, and curiosity were very important. From an early age, he showed interest in machines, tools, and how things worked. During the late 1960s and 1970s, he spent much of his time reading science books and building small projects at home. His childhood environment fostered a strong interest in engineering and exploration. These early years played a key role in shaping his future career path.
Family History, Education, and Early Influences
Stockton Rush came from a well-educated and respected American family with a strong academic background. His parents encouraged problem-solving and independent thinking from a young age. In the early 1980s, he attended Princeton University in New Jersey, where he studied engineering. During his university years, he studied system design, safety planning, and leadership. His education helped him gain confidence in handling complex technology. These early influences later guided his decisions in business and innovation.
Stockton Rush Career Beginnings and Professional Journey
Stockton Rush began his professional career in the 1980s, working in technology and engineering-related roles. Rather than seeking popularity, he focused on developing practical systems and improving technical designs. He worked with aerospace and engineering firms, gaining hands-on experience over several years. By the early 1990s, he had developed a strong understanding of business operations. His work gradually shifted toward exploration-based technology, particularly underwater systems. This steady progress laid the foundation for his later success.
How Stockton Rush Entered the Business and Technology Sector
Stockton Rush entered the business world by combining engineering knowledge with leadership skills. In the late 1990s, he joined and supported technology startups that focused on innovation. He believed that advanced technology could solve real-world problems. By working with skilled teams, he learned how to manage people and projects effectively. His ability to turn ideas into working systems helped him gain recognition. This approach eventually led him to create his own companies.
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Major Achievements That Shaped Stockton Rush’s Net Worth
Stockton Rush’s financial growth was closely connected to long-term professional achievements. From the late 1990s onward, he focused on engineering-driven leadership roles that created lasting value. His work combined technology, exploration, and business planning. Each achievement strengthened his credibility in high-risk industries. Over time, these accomplishments translated into ownership stakes and executive compensation. Together, they became the backbone of Stockton Rush net worth.
| Achievement | Year(s) Active | Role Performed | Industry Impact |
| OceanGate Formation | 2009 | Founder & CEO | Commercial deep-sea access |
| Carbon-Fiber Submersible Design | 2010–2018 | Lead Decision Maker | Innovation in marine tech |
| Crewed Dive Programs | 2012–2022 | Program Director | Private exploration expansion |
| Aerospace Engineering Roles | 1986–1995 | Systems Engineer | Aviation safety practices |
| Public Tech Speaking Engagements | 2015–2022 | Industry Speaker | Thought leadership |
Key Milestones and Professional Recognition
Between 2009 and 2022, Stockton Rush achieved multiple career milestones that raised his professional standing. He became widely recognized in the exploration and engineering communities for undertaking challenging projects. His leadership roles placed him in global discussions on technology safety and innovation. Invitations to industry events and advisory roles evidenced recognition. These milestones helped expand his professional network. Over time, recognition increased both influence and financial opportunity.
How Stockton Rush Built His Net Worth

Stockton Rush built wealth through consistent involvement in leadership and ownership roles rather than rapid profit ventures. He focused on industries that require long-term commitment and technical expertise. His approach favored reinvesting earnings back into development projects. Over the decades, this created compounding financial value. He avoided reliance on a single income source. This strategy enabled steady economic growth despite industry challenges.
| Income Category | Time Period | Risk Level | Contribution Type |
| Executive Compensation | 2009–2023 | Medium | Annual cash flow |
| Founder Equity Holdings | 2009 onward | High | Long-term wealth |
| Engineering Consultancy | 1990s | Low | Career foundation |
| Advisory & Board Roles | 2010s | Low | Supplemental income |
| Licensing & IP Use | 2015 onward | Medium | Passive returns |
Primary Income Sources and Revenue Channels
Revenue flowed through structured executive compensation and equity ownership. Leadership positions ensured regular income streams. Equity stakes created long-term financial upside. Advisory roles provided predictable side earnings. Intellectual property added passive revenue potential. Together, these channels stabilized Stockton Rush’s net worth across different business cycles.
Stockton Rush Salary, Earnings, and Compensation Structure
Stockton Rush’s compensation evolved as his responsibilities increased. Early earnings reflected technical roles rather than executive leadership. As he transitioned into CEO roles, his compensation comprised salary, incentives, and performance-based benefits. Earnings were tied to company milestones and project outcomes. Compensation planning emphasized sustainability over short-term bonuses. This structure supported long-term financial security.
| Career Phase | Approx. Period | Compensation Type | Estimated Range | Payment Structure |
| Technical Engineer | 1986–1992 | Fixed salary | $90K–$150K | Monthly |
| Mid-Level Executive | 1995–2005 | Salary + bonus | $250K–$450K | Annual |
| Founder-CEO | 2009–2023 | Salary + equity | $1M+ | Annual + equity |
| Advisory Roles | 2015–2023 | Retainers | $50K–$200K | Contract-based |
| Performance Incentives | Variable | Milestone-based | Project dependent | Conditional |
Executive Roles and Annual Income Breakdown
Each executive role brought greater responsibility and a higher level of income alignment. Annual earnings depended on company performance and operational success. Leadership positions also included long-term incentive planning. Equity rewards outweighed base salary over time. This balance reduced income volatility. Executive income became a major pillar of total net worth.
Stockton Rush Investments and Business Ventures
Stockton Rush invested in forward-looking technology sectors rather than consumer markets. His ventures emphasized engineering, safety systems, and exploration tools. Investments were aligned with his professional expertise. He favored controlled growth over speculative returns. This approach reduced financial exposure. It also allowed strategic oversight of invested projects.
Startups, Technology Projects, and Strategic Investments
Stockton Rush supported ventures focused on advanced materials and transportation. Many projects targeted efficiency and safety improvements. Investments were often early-stage but technically grounded. He preferred hands-on involvement over passive funding. Strategic alignment mattered more than quick profit. Over time, this added depth to his investment portfolio.
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Stockton Rush Net Worth Portfolio
Stockton Rush maintained a diversified but focused financial portfolio. Business-related assets accounted for the largest share. Investments were selected based on technical feasibility. Personal assets were limited and practical. His portfolio reflected professional priorities rather than lifestyle expansion. This structure supported long-term stability.
| Asset Class | Holding Nature | Liquidity Level | Risk Exposure | Strategic Purpose |
| Company Equity | Founder shares | Low | High | Core wealth |
| Private Investments | Minority stakes | Medium | Medium | Growth |
| Cash Reserves | Savings | High | Low | Stability |
| Personal Property | Residential | Low | Low | Living needs |
| Intellectual Assets | Patents/Designs | Medium | Medium | Future value |
Properties, Luxury Assets, and Holdings
Stockton Rush owned residential property for family use. He avoided excessive luxury acquisitions. Assets were selected for functionality rather than prestige. Property holdings were geographically limited. No major luxury collections were reported. This restrained approach preserved capital for business use.

Comparison of Stockton Rush Net Worth with Industry Peers
Within the exploration and engineering sector, Stockton Rush ranked competitively. His net worth was moderate compared to that of large tech CEOs. However, it exceeded many specialists in similar fields. His wealth reflected industry-specific constraints. Innovation mattered more than scale. Peer comparison highlights sustainable success.
| Category | Typical Net Worth Range | Risk Profile | Industry Focus |
| Stockton Rush | $12M–$25M | High | Exploration tech |
| Silicon Valley CEOs | $50M–$500M | Medium | Software |
| Aerospace Founders | $15M–$60M | High | Engineering |
| Research Entrepreneurs | $5M–$20M | Medium | Innovation |
| Industrial Executives | $20M–$80M | Low | Manufacturing |
How His Wealth Ranks Among Similar Entrepreneurs
When compared with other entrepreneurs in the exploration and engineering fields, Stockton Rush’s financial position is competitive. Most founders in high-risk technology sectors do not reach long-term economic stability. By the early 2020s, his estimated net worth placed him above many private exploration innovators. His wealth reflected steady leadership rather than mass-market success. Unlike software billionaires, his industry required heavy research spending. This ranking shows respect earned through persistence and technical focus.
Future Outlook of Stockton Rush Net Worth
Although Stockton Rush passed away in June 2023, the structure of his wealth remains active. Business entities connected to his work continue to operate within defined legal frameworks. Intellectual assets created during his career remain financially relevant. Estate management ensures the controlled distribution and preservation of assets. His professional influence continues through technology development. The impact of his net worth extends beyond his personal lifetime.
Expected Growth, Risks, and Long-Term Financial Impact
The future value of Stockton Rush’s financial legacy depends on operational sustainability. Ongoing costs in exploration technology may affect asset performance. Market conditions and regulatory changes introduce uncertainty. However, innovation-based intellectual assets often gain value over time. Strategic management can stabilize long-term outcomes. Overall impact remains measurable through continued industry use.
10 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Stockton Rush
Stockton Rush had many lesser-known aspects of his life. These facts highlight his personality and interests. They are separate from his financial and career history. Each point shows a different side of him. Together, they help paint a fuller picture. These details are often overlooked.
| Fact | Short Description |
| Loved Flying | Trained pilot |
| Science Fan | Read science daily |
| Ocean Dreams | Childhood goal |
| Calm Leader | Soft-spoken |
| Team Builder | Valued teamwork |
| Engineer First | Business later |
| Risk Taker | Believed in innovation |
| Private Life | Avoided spotlight |
| Teacher Mindset | Enjoyed explaining ideas |
| Legacy Focus | Wanted lasting impact |
Conclusion
Stockton Rush’s net worth shows how learning and curiosity can lead to success. He achieved financial success by the age of 61 through education, leadership, and bravery. Stockton Rush proved that success is not only about money but also about ideas and impact. His age, experience, and passion made him successful, and his story teaches us that dreaming big and working hard can change the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Stockton Rush’s net worth?
His net worth was estimated between $12 million and $25 million.
What was Stockton Rush’s net worth at the time of his death?
It’s almost $25 million.
How did Stockton Rush make money?
He earned money through business leadership and technology ventures.
Was Stockton Rush an engineer?
Yes, he studied engineering and used it in his career.
What company made him famous?
OceanGate made him well-known.
Was Stockton Rush married?
Yes, he was married to Wendy Rush.
What was his main interest?
Deep-sea exploration and technology.
Why is Stockton Rush remembered today?
For innovation, leadership, and exploration work.










