Elon Musk says Tesla doesn't have a two class system, but is that really true? Musk, the richest man in the world claims Tesla isn't about hierarchy. Everyone is a worker. He posted in 2022, but in 2025 he's battling to bring back a $56 billion compensation package that a Delaware court struck down, calling it unfathomable and pointing to Musk's close ties with the board.
At the same time, factory workers are reportedly making between $22 and $39 an hour. Musk's 2022 pay was technically zero, but in 2021 he gained over $23 billion, creating a pay ratio of 18,000 to one. Supporters say his pay was tied to performance that boosted Tesla's value. Critics argue that the workers behind that growth haven't seen equal rewards.
The real question, is Tesla truly equal, or does that only apply on paper?
