Jim Goodnight Net Worth in 2025- $11 Billion

 Net Worth: $12 Billion

Age: 81
Born: January 6, 1943
Country of Origin: United States of America
Source of Wealth: Co-founder & CEO of SAS Institute
Last Updated: 2025

Jim Goodnight – Net Worth Over the Years

Year	Net Worth
2019	$9.5 billion
2020	$10.2 billion
2021	$11 billion
2022	$11.5 billion
2023	$11.8 billion
2024	$12 billion

Who is Jim Goodnight?

James "Jim" Goodnight is an American businessman, software developer, and philanthropist best known as the co-founder and CEO of SAS Institute, a global leader in analytics software. Under his leadership, SAS has remained a privately-held company known for its innovation, strong corporate culture, and long-term commitment to employee well-being. His leadership style, commitment to education, and focus on workplace excellence have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential tech leaders in the world.

Early Life

Jim Goodnight was born on January 6, 1943, in North Carolina. He developed a keen interest in mathematics and computing early on, leading him to pursue a bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in statistics from North Carolina State University (NCSU). During his time there, he worked on agricultural research, which laid the groundwork for what would become SAS Institute.

“The key to success is to create a work environment where people enjoy coming in every day.” – Jim Goodnight

Career

In 1976, alongside other faculty members, Goodnight co-founded SAS Institute, initially as a project to analyze agricultural data. As demand for analytics software grew, SAS expanded beyond academia and became a global leader in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence solutions.

SAS's innovative approach to corporate culture—offering employees extensive benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a collaborative work environment—helped it retain top talent and consistently rank among the best places to work.

"95% of my assets are tied up in SAS. I’ve never been driven by wealth, but by creating something meaningful.” – Jim Goodnight

Achievements & Impact

• Built SAS into a $3 billion revenue company while keeping it privately held.
• Pioneered workplace culture improvements, setting a standard for employee satisfaction.
• Advocated for education reform, investing in STEM programs and school initiatives.
• Received numerous business accolades, including ranking among the world's top CEOs.

Philanthropy & Education Initiatives

Goodnight has been a strong advocate for education reform, particularly in mathematics and technology. His SAS Curriculum Pathways initiative provides digital resources for students and teachers, and his support for NCSU has helped fund scholarships and research programs.

"If you want to create great technology, you have to invest in people first.” – Jim Goodnight

Lifestyle & Net Worth

Despite his immense wealth, Jim Goodnight is known for his low-profile lifestyle. He prefers to focus on SAS and philanthropy rather than making public appearances. His estimated net worth of $12 billion in 2025 reflects his continued success in keeping SAS a privately held and profitable enterprise.

Summary

Jim Goodnight's impact on the tech industry extends far beyond his billionaire status. As the CEO of SAS Institute, he has transformed the analytics industry while pioneering a workplace model that values employees above all else. His commitment to education, philanthropy, and ethical business practices has solidified his legacy as one of the most influential figures in technology.