Shia LaBeouf Net Worth: From Disney Star to $25M Fortune

Remember the quirky kid from Even Stevens? That same actor pocketed nearly $21 million from just three Transformers movies. Shia LaBeouf has built a net worth of $25 million through a career that’s been anything but typical.

His financial story includes blockbuster paydays, indie film passion projects, real estate investments, and personal challenges that threatened to derail everything. Let’s break down exactly how he built this fortune and what it means for his financial future.

What This Article Covers: You’ll learn Shia LaBeouf’s current net worth, his biggest career earnings, how the Transformers franchise changed his finances, and what his recent projects mean for his wealth.

Featured Snippet: Shia LaBeouf Net Worth

Shia LaBeouf’s net worth stands at $25 million as of 2026. He earned most of this wealth from his acting career, particularly $20.75 million from three Transformers films, plus additional income from writing, directing, and performance art projects.

How Much Is Shia LaBeouf Worth?

Shia LaBeouf has a net worth of $25 million, according to recent reports. This figure reflects earnings from over two decades in entertainment.

His wealth comes primarily from film salaries. The Transformers franchise alone contributed more than $20 million to his total earnings. But his financial portfolio extends beyond acting. He’s also earned money through screenwriting, directing, producing, and even performance art installations.

Unlike many actors who chase every big payday, LaBeouf made calculated decisions to step away from major franchises. He turned down $15 million for the fourth Transformers film, prioritizing artistic fulfillment over financial gain.

The Transformers Payday Breakdown

Starting Small, Growing Fast

The Transformers franchise transformed LaBeouf’s bank account. Here’s exactly what he earned:

LaBeouf earned just $750,000 for the first Transformers film, which grossed over $700 million worldwide. That might seem low, but he was transitioning from Disney Channel to major films.

His salary jumped dramatically for the sequels. The second film brought him $5 million. By the third installment, he commanded $15 million.

The Deal He Walked Away From

After three films, LaBeouf faced a choice. He reportedly requested $18 million for Transformers 4, which was denied. Instead of negotiating, he left the franchise entirely.

This decision cost him at least $15 million for the fourth film alone. The franchise continued for three more installments without him, representing potentially $30-45 million in lost earnings.

Why walk away? LaBeouf told Esquire the films felt “irrelevant” and “dated.” He wanted roles with more artistic substance.

Early Career and Disney Channel Success

Breaking Into Acting

Born in Los Angeles in 1986, LaBeouf didn’t come from wealth. His father struggled with addiction and held odd jobs. His mother worked as a visual artist and jewelry designer.

LaBeouf started working at age 10 as a stand-up comedian, driven by his family’s financial struggles. He entered acting specifically to help support his family.

Even Stevens Money

LaBeouf gained recognition as Louis Stevens on Even Stevens, earning a Daytime Emmy Award. While his exact salary isn’t public, co-stars reportedly earned $10,000 to $13,000 per episode.

The show ran for three seasons and 66 episodes. This steady paycheck launched his career and provided financial stability during his teenage years.

Other Major Film Earnings

LaBeouf’s career extended well beyond Transformers. Here are his other significant paydays:

LaBeouf earned $400,000 each from Bobby, Disturbia, and Surf’s Up. These 2006-2007 films established him as a bankable young actor.

In 2010, he earned $8 million for Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. This marked his highest single-film salary outside the Transformers franchise.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull also paid him well, though the exact figure hasn’t been disclosed publicly. The film grossed over $790 million worldwide.

More recent projects paid less but offered creative control. He earned $700,000 for his role in Francis Ford Coppola’s 2024 film Megalopolis.

Writing and Producing Income

Honey Boy: A Personal Project

LaBeouf expanded his income streams through writing and producing. His most notable writing credit is Honey Boy, a semi-autobiographical film he wrote while in rehab.

Honey Boy grossed $3 million worldwide against a $3.5 million budget. While the film didn’t generate blockbuster returns, it earned critical acclaim and proved LaBeouf’s talents extended beyond acting.

Other Creative Projects

LaBeouf also wrote the shorts Maniac, Born Villain, and Let’s Love Hate. He produced projects including LoveTrue, #INTRODUCTIONS, and Born Villain.

These smaller projects typically don’t generate massive paychecks. But they build his reputation as a multi-faceted artist and create additional income streams.

Real Estate Investments

Pasadena Property

LaBeouf has invested in California real estate. In March 2020, he purchased a home in Pasadena for $5.475 million. The property features oak trees and offers privacy from neighbors.

This purchase represented a significant portion of his net worth. Real estate in Pasadena typically appreciates well, making it a smart long-term investment.

Sherman Oaks Sale

He previously owned a home in Sherman Oaks, purchased for $1.8 million and sold in July 2020 for $2.4 million. This sale netted him a $600,000 profit.

Real estate hasn’t been his primary wealth builder. But these investments provide portfolio diversification and passive appreciation.

How Personal Challenges Affected His Wealth

Legal Issues and Treatment

LaBeouf’s personal struggles have impacted his finances. Multiple arrests for public intoxication and disorderly conduct required legal representation.

In December 2020, FKA Twigs sued him for sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit, which recently settled on undisclosed terms, likely involved significant legal fees.

These challenges also affected his career opportunities. Netflix removed him from awards campaigns. Some projects may have passed him by during his most troubled periods.

Recovery and Comeback

LaBeouf voluntarily entered rehab and publicly acknowledged his struggles. This period of treatment and reflection led to some of his most acclaimed work.

His recovery likely involved financial costs. But it also positioned him for a career resurgence with projects like Honey Boy and The Peanut Butter Falcon.

Current Projects and Future Earnings

Recent Work

In 2024, LaBeouf portrayed Clodio Pulcher in Megalopolis, which premiered at Cannes. He also appeared in the 2026 documentary Slauson Rec, exploring his theater workshop in Los Angeles.

He’s set to star in the thriller Assassination, written by David Mamet. This continued work with respected directors suggests steady income ahead.

What’s Next?

LaBeouf appears focused on meaningful artistic projects rather than pure commercial ventures. This approach may limit his earning potential compared to blockbuster franchises.

But it also protects his mental health and personal well-being. His willingness to prioritize quality over quantity has become a defining characteristic of his later career.

Shia LaBeouf vs. Other Actors

How does his wealth compare to peers?

His $25 million net worth places him well below the highest-earning Hollywood actors. For comparison, his Transformers co-star Mark Wahlberg has a net worth exceeding $400 million.

But LaBeouf left major franchises early. Had he continued with Transformers and pursued similar blockbusters, his net worth could easily exceed $50-75 million today.

His choices reflect different priorities. He values artistic freedom over maximum earnings. This philosophy has kept his net worth modest by Hollywood standards but given him creative satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shia LaBeouf’s net worth in 2026? Shia LaBeouf’s net worth is $25 million as of 2026, earned primarily through his acting career and creative projects.

How much did Shia LaBeouf make from Transformers? He earned $20.75 million total from three Transformers films, with salaries of $750,000, $5 million, and $15 million respectively.

Why did Shia LaBeouf leave Transformers? LaBeouf requested $18 million for the fourth film, which was denied. He also felt the films lacked artistic substance and wanted more meaningful roles.

What is Shia LaBeouf’s highest-paying role? His highest single paycheck was $15 million for Transformers: Dark of the Moon in 2011, followed by $8 million for Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

Does Shia LaBeouf still act? Yes, he continues acting in independent films and projects with acclaimed directors. Recent work includes Megalopolis and the upcoming thriller Assassination.

The Bottom Line

Shia LaBeouf’s $25 million net worth tells a unique Hollywood story. He earned blockbuster money early in his career, then deliberately chose artistic fulfillment over maximum earnings.

His Transformers paychecks alone totaled over $20 million. Walking away from that franchise cost him tens of millions in potential future earnings. But it freed him to pursue projects like Honey Boy and The Peanut Butter Falcon that earned critical acclaim.

Personal struggles temporarily derailed his trajectory. Legal issues, addiction problems, and public controversies created financial and professional obstacles. But his willingness to seek help and rebuild his life has enabled a meaningful career resurgence.

Today, LaBeouf continues working on projects that matter to him. His wealth may be modest compared to Hollywood’s highest earners. But his choices reflect an artist who values creative integrity over pure financial gain. For someone who started working at age 10 to help his struggling family, $25 million represents remarkable success on his own terms.