Top 30 Highest Paid News Anchors

Rachel Maddow (MSNBC)

With 25+ years on air, Rachel Maddow makes around $30 million per year. She began her career in radio, then was a co-host at "The Dave in the Morning Show", but her big success was ensured when she joined MSNBS as s political analyst.  

When Maddow first joined MSNBC in 2006, she was earning only $19,000 per year, but in 2021 her salary was raised to $30M. There's only one more anchor that gets more money than Maddow. Click next to see who it is! (spoiler alert; it’s not who you think it is!) 

Sean Hannity (FOX News)

Sean Hannity is the highest-paid anchor at Fox News, with an estimated annual salary of $40 to $45 million. Working since 1996, Hannity hosts the nightly prime-time show Hannity, which has become one of the network’s top programs ever.  

Except for his television role, Hannity also hosts The Sean Hannity Show, a widely syndicated radio program. His combined media ventures have made him a key figure in conservative media. His net worth is estimated to be around $250 million. Click next to see how much Robin Roberts makes! 

Robin Roberts (ABC)

Roberts is the co-anchor of Good Morning America and earns approximately $18 million per year. She began her career as a sports journalist but later transitioned to morning television. 

There, she became a beloved and inspirational figure, especially for her resilience in the face of personal health battles. It is said that her net worth reaches $55 million! Her net worth is just slightly higher than the man in the next slide. Keep reading to find out who it is! 

Anderson Cooper (CNN)

  On the top of our list is Anderson Hays Cooper. Cooper is currently anchoring the CNN news broadcast show Anderson Cooper 360°, and is considered a veteran at TV and one of the most recognized figures in news today.    

He's also a correspondent for 60 Minutes. Cooper earns around $12 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid news anchors. With a career lasting for decades, Cooper is known for his in-depth reporting and straightforward style. Read the next slide to see how much Dana Bash from CNN makes per year! 

Dana Bash (CNN)

Dana Bash is CNN's chief political correspondent and a prominent news anchor. She currently hosts Inside Politics on weekdays and co-anchors State of the Union with Jake Tapper on Sundays. Bash has had a distinguished career at CNN since joining in the early 1990s, and she was promoted to her current chief political correspondent role in 2015.

Bash's annual salary is estimated to be around $2 to $3 million, and her net worth is approximately $6 million. She has gained recognition for her sharp political reporting and her coverage of significant events like the U.S. elections and presidential debates. On the next slide you’ll find George Stephanopoulos’ net worth and salary! 

George Stephanopoulos (ABC)

A long-time ABC anchor and host of This Week, Stephanopoulos makes about $15 million annually. Having shifted from a political advisor to a top news anchor, he remains a prominent voice on American politics, with over two decades at the network. 

Stephanopoulos has been with ABC News since 1997. His wealth is built on his longstanding television career, with a net worth estimated around $40 million. Keep reading if you want to know how much Harris Faulkner makes! 

Harris Faulkner (Fox News)

Harris Faulkner is a six-time Emmy Award-winning anchor who has been with Fox News since 2005. She currently hosts two highly rated shows: The Faulkner Focus, which airs weekdays from 11 AM to 12 PM ET, and Outnumbered, a popular noon show. 

 Faulkner has built a strong reputation for her sharp interviewing skills and ability to tackle a wide range of topics. As of 2024, Faulkner's estimated net worth is approximately $6 million, and her salary is reported to be around $2 million annually. Wanna know Lawrence O'Donnell’s salary? Click next! 

Lawrence O'Donnell (MSNBC)

Best known for hosting The Last Word with , O'Donnell is a prominent MSNBC anchor. He began his political career in 1989, and has worked as actor, author, screenwriter and political commentator. 

His annual salary is estimated at $5 million, contributing to a net worth of around $28 million in 2024. Besides his work on MSNBC, O'Donnell has written books and produced popular TV series like The West Wing, further boosting his earnings. 

Bret Baier (Fox News)

As the long-time host of Special Report on Fox News, Bret Baier has become a familiar face in political journalism. Over the years, Baier’s interviewing style and ability to tackle tough political topics have made him a go-to anchor for many viewers. 

With a salary hitting around $15 million annually, Baier’s net worth has climbed to an estimated $65-70 million. Beyond his work on TV, he’s also written several popular political books and actively supports causes related to congenital heart disease, inspired by his own son’s health struggles. Keep reading to see Gayle King’s net worth and annual salary! 

Gayle King (CBS)

Gayle King co-hosts CBS Mornings and is one of the most influential figures in American news. She is known for conducting high-profile interviews and her close friendship with Oprah Winfrey.

King reportedly earns $11 million annually, with her net worth estimated at $40 million.

Dana Perino (Fox News)

Dana Perino is a co-anchor on America’s Newsroom and a co-host on The Five at Fox News, with a background as White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush. Since joining Fox in 2009, she has become a key voice in political commentary and news.

Her estimated net worth is $6 million, and she reportedly earns around $1 million annually from Fox News, supplemented by book royalties and other ventures.

Diane Sawyer (ABC News)

Diane Sawyer, a legendary figure in American journalism, has built an impressive career spanning over five decades. She began her career as a weather forecaster in Kentucky but quickly transitioned to more prominent roles, eventually working in the Nixon administration before making a name for herself as a top journalist at CBS News and later ABC News.

At her peak, Sawyer earned a staggering annual salary of $22 million, contributing to her estimated net worth of $88 million.

Jonathan Capehart (MSNBC)

Jonathan Capehart is a well-known journalist and commentator, currently hosting The Saturday/Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart on MSNBC. He has been a prominent voice at The Washington Post, serving on its editorial board since 2007.

Capehart's estimated net worth is between $3 to $5 million, and his annual salary ranges from $40,000 to $120,000 depending on his various roles across television, speaking engagements, and writing

Jesse Watters (Fox News)

Jesse Watters is a Fox News host, known for his shows Jesse Watters Primetime and The Five. He started as a production assistant and gained fame with his "Watters' World" segments on The O'Reilly Factor.

By 2024, Watters is earning an annual salary between $12 and $16 million, with a net worth estimated at $90 to $100 million. His wealth comes from Fox News, real estate investments, and book deals​.

Kristen Welker (NBC News)

Kristen Welker, co-anchor of Weekend TODAY and the new moderator of Meet the Press, has had a remarkable career in journalism. Starting with NBC in 2005, she quickly rose to prominence as a White House correspondent. Her moderation of the 2020 presidential debate further cemented her reputation as a trusted journalist.

As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around $3 to $5 million, and she reportedly earns an annual salary of $100,000 to $200,000. Her additional income comes from public speaking engagements and other media appearances.

Shepard Smith (CNBC)

Shepard Smith is a veteran journalist who became a household name during his 23-year tenure at Fox News, where he hosted shows like Shepard Smith Reporting and Fox Report. After leaving Fox in 2019, Smith joined CNBC. Known for his straightforward reporting style, Smith has covered major stories like Hurricane Katrina and the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton.

As of 2024, Shepard Smith's net worth is estimated at around $30 million, with an annual salary of approximately $10 million. His wealth also stems from his real estate investments and public speaking engagements​.

Alex Witt (MSNBC)

Alex Witt is a seasoned MSNBC anchor who has been with the network for over two decades. She currently hosts Weekends with Alex Witt, covering a variety of political and national stories. Witt is known for her approachable style and deep analysis on significant current events, making her a key weekend presence on MSNBC.

Witt’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, and her salary is believed to be in the range of $500,000 to $1 million annually. Her long career in broadcast journalism and her prominent role at MSNBC have contributed to her financial success​.

Wolf Blitzer (CNN)

Wolf Blitzer has been a key figure at CNN since 1990, known for hosting The Situation Room. With decades of experience, he has covered major global events and interviews with top political figures.

Blitzer earns about $5 million annually, contributing to his net worth of approximately $20 million. He resides in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife​.

Maria Bartiromo (Fox Business)

Maria Bartiromo is a prominent journalist and host on Fox Business, known for shows like Mornings with Maria. She was the first to report live from the New York Stock Exchange floor.

She earns an annual salary of about $10 million, with a net worth estimated at $50 to $65 million. Much of her wealth also comes from real estate and book deals.

Erin Burnett (CNN)

Erin Burnett hosts Erin Burnett OutFront on CNN, where she provides sharp financial and political analysis. She’s become a recognizable face for her in-depth interviews and breaking news coverage.

Burnett's salary is around $6 million per year, bringing her net worth to roughly $20 million. She continues to be one of CNN's top anchors​.

Nicolle Wallace (MSNBC)

Nicolle Wallace is a political commentator and host of Deadline: White House on MSNBC. She’s a former White House Communications Director for George W. Bush and served as a senior advisor for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. Wallace’s political experience gives her analysis credibility, making her a key figure in political media.

As of 2024, Nicolle Wallace’s salary is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million per year, contributing to her net worth of around $10 million. She’s also an accomplished author, with several bestselling political novels.

Scott Pelley (CBS)

Scott Pelley is a seasoned journalist and one of the most recognized faces on 60 Minutes. With a career at CBS spanning over three decades, he’s reported on everything from presidential campaigns to war zones. Pelley also anchored CBS Evening News from 2011 to 2017, where he boosted viewership significantly during his tenure.

Today, Pelley earns an estimated $7 million annually and has a net worth of around $18 million. His impressive career is highlighted by numerous awards, including over 40 Emmys and multiple Peabody Awards, making him one of the most awarded correspondents in 60 Minutes history​

Jake Tapper (CNN)

ake Tapper is one of CNN's leading journalists, best known for hosting The Lead with Jake Tapper and co-hosting State of the Union. With a career spanning over two decades, Tapper has covered major events, including presidential elections and significant political debates. He’s particularly noted for his tough, straightforward style in interviews, often challenging politicians from both parties.

Tapper’s estimated net worth is $16 million, with an annual salary of approximately $4 million from his CNN roles. Beyond journalism, he is also a published author and former cartoonist, further adding to his financial success​

Linsey Davis (ABC News)

insey Davis is a leading correspondent for ABC News and anchors World News Tonight on Sundays and ABC News Live Prime. Davis has built a reputation for her coverage of significant national and international stories, ranging from U.S. elections to global humanitarian crises.

Her salary is reported to be around $500,000 annually, and she has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Beyond news, Davis is also a bestselling children's book author​.

Lester Holt (NBC News)

Joy Reid (MSNBC)

oy Reid is a well-known political commentator and host of The ReidOut on MSNBC, where she tackles critical issues with a strong focus on race, politics, and social justice. She joined MSNBC in 2011 and became the first Black woman to host a prime-time cable news show. Reid is also an accomplished author and political analyst with decades of experience in journalism.

As of 2024, Reid's salary is reported to be around $2 million annually, with an estimated net worth of $21 million. Her wealth comes from a mix of television hosting, book royalties, and smart investments.

Fareed Zakaria (CNN)

Fareed Zakaria is the host of Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN, a global public affairs program that delves into international relations, economics, and politics. Known for his deep analysis and intellectual approach, Zakaria has been a prominent figure in global media for years. 

He also writes a weekly column for The Washington Post and has authored several best-selling books. Zakaria reportedly earns $5 million per year and has an estimated net worth of around $12 million, reflecting his success across multiple platforms

Greg Gutfeld (Fox News)

Greg Gutfeld is one of Fox News' most recognizable personalities, known for co-hosting The Five and hosting his own late-night show, Gutfeld!. His unique blend of humor and commentary has made his late-night show one of the most-watched programs in its time slot, often surpassing more traditional late-night hosts. Gutfeld's distinct comedic approach to news has helped him carve out a niche in conservative media.

Gutfeld's salary is reported to be around $7 million per year, with an estimated net worth of $24 million. His wealth is largely attributed to his dual hosting roles on Fox News and his success as an author​

Craig Melvin (NBC News)

Craig Melvin is a co-host on NBC's Today Show and also serves as a news anchor for MSNBC. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of important events, including political conventions and international news stories. 

He makes around $3 million annually, contributing to his estimated net worth of around $9 million.

Don Lemon (CNN)

Don Lemon was one of CNN’s most well-known anchors, hosting CNN Tonight from 2014 to 2022 before transitioning to co-host the network's morning show. In 2023, after 17 years at CNN, Lemon was unexpectedly let go, sparking widespread discussion across the media landscape. He has since hinted at new ventures, including a possible show on social media.

At his peak, Lemon earned a salary of $7 million annually, and his net worth in 2024 is estimated at around $12 million. His departure from CNN included a reported $24.5 million settlement for the remainder of his contract.

David Muir (ABC News)

David Muir is the anchor of ABC World News Tonight and co-host of 20/20. Known for his strong reporting on global events, Muir has covered stories from war zones and natural disasters around the world. He is one of the most respected figures in American journalism today.

Muir’s annual salary is estimated to be $5 million, and his net worth is reported to be around $25 million. His long career at ABC, combined with his award-winning journalism, has solidified his position as a top news anchor

Andrea Mitchell (NBC News)

Andrea Mitchell is a veteran journalist, serving as the Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for NBC News. She has been with the network for over four decades and hosts Andrea Mitchell Reports on MSNBC.

With her net worth to be around $5 million, Mitchell's annual salary is around $750,000. Her extensive experience and contributions to journalism have solidified her status as one of the most respected figures in news broadcasting