The annual Forbes 400 list was released today, ranking the wealthiest Americans across industries.
The rich continue to get richer. The combined net worth of the richest 400 Americans was $2.29 trillion, a huge increase from last year's $270 billion.
Bill Gates, who is no newcomer to rankings of wealth, topped the list for the 21st year in a row.
But it turns out that many of the richest people in America made their fortunes through technology — we've rounded up the 10 richest here.
10. Charles Ergen is worth $16.9 billion.
Change from last year: +$4.4 billion
Age: 61
Charles Ergen is the founder and chairman of the DISH Network. His company had humble beginnings— in 1980, he, his wife, and a friend started selling satellite dishes out of the back of a truck.
Ergen is notorious for being a frugal leader and micromanager. Up until about 10 years ago, he insisted on signing every check that came out of Dish.
Source: Forbes
9. Paul Allen is worth $17 billion.
Change from last year: +$1.2 billion
Age: 61
Paul Allen cofounded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975. He left the company 8 years later after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease.
Since then, he's beat cancer twice and has chosen to live a life of luxury, complete with with megayachts, rock bands, and vintage fighter planes.
Source: Forbes
8. Michael Dell is worth $17.5 billion.
Change from last year: +$1.6 billion
Age: 49
Michael Dell created Dell Computer Corp. from his University of Texas dorm room in 1983.
In October 2013, he won a long, difficult battle to make Dell private again. He says the company has been thriving ever since.
Source: Forbes
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