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In this day and age of information, broadcasting the news has suffered a hit because an increasing number of media consumers are getting their news from digital platforms rather than turning to the many television news networks.
In spite of this, being a news anchor is still a lucrative career option in the modern era, particularly if you work in television and represent one of the major media broadcasting companies. Fox News, which is one of the most widely watched news channels in the United States, has been covering breaking news stories from all around the world. One of the most populous cities in the United States is home to that news office and it has seen its fair share of reporters come and go; throughout their time there, each of them has amassed an astounding fortune.
Even though Payscale.com reports that the typical annual income for a news anchor in the United States is around $60,000 there is a good probability that these reporters will make millions of dollars no matter what it is that they are hosting on this network. The news anchors who make the biggest salaries are performing much, much better than the average. Let's take a look at some of the wealthiest anchors that have worked for Fox News.
Sean Hannity: $40 million
Sean Hannity hosts the primetime show "Hannity" on Fox News. He's been with the network since its launch in 1996. Hannity's program features political commentary, interviews with politicians and newsmakers, and discussions on current events.
Hannity also hosts a nationally syndicated radio show called The Sean Hannity Show. Hannity has authored several books on politics and current affairs, including Live Free Or Die: America (and the World) on the Brink, Deliver Us from Evil: Defeating Terrorism, Despotism, and Liberalism and Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism.
Sandra Smith: $3 Million
Sandra Smith is well known for her work as an anchor for Fox News, which is where she gained the majority of her reputation. Since 2007, she has been employed by the network, and among of her previous shows on which she appeared as a co-host were "America's Newsroom" and "The Five." You know, the Fox Five. Each year she makes$3 Million in salary, not including bonuses!
Smith's reputation for in-depth reporting on a wide variety of topics has made her a go-to source for news outlets across the board. She gained unique insight into the financial sector through her time at Goldman Sachs prior to entering the media sphere. Smith is widely recognized as among the industry's brightest and most reliable sources.
Jillian Mele: $900k
Talented news anchor and correspondent Jillian Mele presently serves as co-host of "Fox & Friends First." She started with the network in 2017, and since then, she's become known as a rising star in the field. Mele has covered a wide range of issues, including breaking news and sports, with her likable attitude and excellent journalistic abilities.
She worked for several local news stations before beginning a career in broadcasting, where she refined her skills as a reporter and anchor. Mele is one of the most regarded journalists on television today because of her commitment to her job and her capacity for building relationships with her viewers.Her tenacity has earned her nearly $1 million salary, as of writing this her yearly intake is900thousand dollars.
Bret Baier: $15 Million
Bret Baier is a journalist and television news anchor best known as the host of the Fox News program "Special Report with Bret Baier." Before making the switch to national television, where he worked as a journalist and anchor for many networks, he started his journalism career as a reporter for a number of local news stations.
For his work as the host of the Fox News program "Special Report with Bret Baier," which covers political news and analysis, Baier attained widespread fame. He has written several books, including "Three Days in January: Dwight Eisenhower's Final Mission," and received numerous honors for his work, including the prestigious Emmy Award. He now earns $15 million per year for all of his experience.
Gretchen Carlson: $1.5 Million
The most well-known aspect of Gretchen Carlson's career as a journalist, author, and activist is her role as co-host of "Fox & Friends" on Fox News. The network welcomed her in 2005, and she soon established herself as one of its most famous faces. In addition to her work on television, Carlson is an active supporter of women's rights and workplace equality.
She has also written several books. She famously filed a lawsuit against Roger Ailes, the former CEO of Fox News, for harassment, which resulted in his resignation and sparked a national dialogue on workplace harassment. Carlson has emerged as a key player in the struggle for gender equality thanks to her fearlessness and commitment.This fierce fighter takes in $1.5 Million a year.
John Roberts: Est $171,000
John Roberts serves as the chief White House correspondent for Fox News Channel. He joined the network in 2011 after a long career at CNN and CBS News. Roberts covers presidential activities, press briefings, and major political events from Washington D.C.
Roberts has covered multiple presidential administrations and has extensive experience in political journalism. He's known for his straightforward reporting style and ability to break down complex political issues for viewers. Roberts' background includes anchoring morning news programs and covering significant national and international events throughout his career.
Katie Pavlich: $2 Million
Known for being a conservative voice in the media, Katie Pavlich is a gifted journalist, commentator, and author. She is most recognized for her work as an editor at Townhall.com and as a contributor to Fox News. Regarding a variety of subjects, such as politics, Second Amendment rights, and national security, Pavlich is a reputable speaker.
Her works include Assault and Flattery:The Truth About the Left and Their War on Women" and "Fast and Furious: Barack Obama's Bloodiest Scandal and Its Shameless Cover-Up.It is because of her commitment to her profession and her fervent support for conservative ideas, Pavlich is well-known in the media. As a result, she has an annual claimed salary of $2 Million, not including bonuses. Wowza!
Brian Kilmeade: $4 million
As a journalist, author, and TV/radio personality, Brian Kilmeade is best recognized for his work at Fox News Channel. He's a regular on the network's most popular show, "Fox & Friends." Kilmeade's trademark is his outspoken views.His reporting often focuses on politics and current events. If something big is happening, chances are he's talking about it. That has netted him over $4 million, not including bonuses.
Along with his work on television, Brian Kilmeade is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program "The Brian Kilmeade Show" and the author of several books, including "George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution." His knowledge of the past and his ability to simplify difficult concepts are two of his many notable qualities.
Maria Molina: $300,000
Maria Molina worked as a meteorologist for Fox News Channel, providing weather updates and analysis for various programs, particularly "Fox & Friends." She left Fox News in 2016 to pursue a Ph.D. in atmospheric and oceanic sciences.
Molina's expertise was particularly valuable during coverage of major weather events. Bilingual, Molina provided both English and Spanish weather forecasts for AccuWeather in State College, Pennsylvania prior to joining Fox News.
Tomi Lahren: $3 Million
Conservative political analyst Tomi Lahren is a very popular broadcaster who first gained notoriety for her commentary stints on "The Blaze" and later "Fox News." Lahren has established herself as a key figure in conservative media, known for her outspoken and frequently divisive beliefs. On social media, her films in which she criticizes progressive politics frequently go viral.
Along with hosting her own popular television program, "Tomi," Lahren has also appeared on a vast number of other news shows, across the political spectrum. She has a sizable fan base among conservative viewers thanks to her feisty and outspoken demeanor, but she also frequently receives criticism from others who don't share her viewpoints.She makes a $3 Million salary from Fox alone! That's not including her fan base profits which could be well over $2 million.
Ainsley Earhardt: $6 Million
Journalist and television personality Ainsley Earhardt co-hosts the well-liked morning program "Fox & Friends" on Fox News. She started working for the network in 2007, and since then, she has become a well-known name in cable news. Earhardt has become a fan favorite thanks to her likable attitude and knack for connecting with viewers. That has netted her a $6 Million salary from Fox.
She has conducted interviews with a number of well-known people, including the 45th President, Donald Trump. Earhardt served as a local news anchor in many American areas before beginning her journalism career. She is one of the most adored celebrities in the media today because of her commitment to her work and her friendly, approachable personality.
"Life is short, and time just flies by, so I love those moments when we're all sitting around the table together laughing and joking." -Earhardt
Greg Gutfeld: $24 Million
Greg Gutfeld is an American comedian, novelist, and television host best known for hosting the Fox News show "The Greg Gutfeld Show." He began his career as a staff writer for many journals in the 1990s before switching to television, where he works as a pundit and host for multiple networks.
Gutfeld is known for his biting wit and willingness to challenge traditional political wisdom. His numerous writings include "The Gutfeld Monologues: Classic Rants from the Five" and "Not Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War on You." It is because of his distinct point of view and witty quips, he has become a popular media figure.Greg Gutfeld's annual pay from Fox News is $24 million.
Harris Faulkner: $6 Million
The daytime news program "Outnumbered Overtime with Harris Faulkner" on Fox News is now hosted by the award-winning journalist and television personality Harris Faulkner. Since her 2005 entrance, she has grown to be one of the network's most popular faces. Politics, national security, and breaking news stories are just a few of the themes Faulkner has written and reportedon.
She has also conducted interviews with a number of celebrity status guests, such as former President Barack Obama. Faulkneralso works as a best-selling author. She has written numerous books, including "9 Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat's Guide to Life and Success." She has received many awards during her career for her commitment to her work and her brilliant reporting. That responsibility has earned her a salary of $6 Million!
Jeanine Pirro: $3 Million
A former prosecutor, and judge, now television personality, Jeanine Pirro is most known for her role as host of the Fox News program "Justice with Judge Jeanine." Prior to entering politics, she worked as a judge on the Westchester County Court after beginning her career as a prosecutor in New York. Pirro ran unsuccessfully for the US Senate in 2006 before joining Fox News as a legal expert.
Later, she started her own program that addresses political and legal topics. Among Pirro's many works are "Liars, Leakers, and Liberals: The Case Against the Anti-Trump Conspiracy." She is a controversialfigure,to say the least,in the media due to her blunt comments and unrepentant demeanor. She makes a salary of $3 Million, in addition to bonuses in theMillion each year! Go Jeanine!
Charles Payne: $500,000
Charles Payne hosts "Making Money with Charles Payne" on Fox Business Network. He focuses on stock market analysis and investment advice. Payne founded Wall Street Strategies, an independent stock market research firm. He frequently appears on other Fox programs to provide financial insights.
In 2017, he was suspended by the network after an assault accusation by a former guest. Payne denied the accusation and his suspension was lifted just two months later.
Megyn Kelly: $45 Million~
NBC and Fox News anchor Megyn Kellywas ahighly renownedjournalist. She practiced law before becoming a journalist for various regional news programs. Fox News made Kelly a national political pundit. While there she made around $45 million eachyear. WOW! But wait, there's more, NBC reportedly offered her $69 million to return! Talk about the Gold Standard for reporting.
She aired her own Fox show and was praised for her frank interviews. In 2018, she left NBC News after a controversial broadcast about blackface in Halloween costumes. Kelly now has her own podcast and remains a big media figure. In interviews, she blamed then President Donald Trump and primetime cable news' "snake pit" for departing Fox.
Tucker Carlson: $6 million
One of the most famous names in cable news is conservative writer, analyst, and host Tucker Carlson. He is best known for hosting "Tucker Carlson Tonight," a primetime program that airs on Fox News. Since working as a print journalist and television host before joining Fox News, Carlson has been a mainstay in the media and politics for more than 20 years.
Carlson, who is renowned for his razor-sharp humor and scathing criticism, is a fierce advocate for conservative principles and prominent opponent of progressive politics. He has generated many acontroversy with his blunt demeanor, but he is still one of the most powerful figures in political journalism. In April of 2023 he was abruptly fired, causing the internet to catch fire and encouraging him to start his own show and network.He haslost his $6 Million salary from Fox, and over $30 Million in bonuses each year.That's a lot of zeros.
Kimberly Guilfoyle: $8 million
Kimberly Guilfoyle is best known for her work as a television news commentator and former prosecutor and attorney. She had a career as a prosecutor in the San Francisco area before she moved into the television industry. After that, she began working for several networks as a legal expert and pundit.At Fox she earns a hefty salary of $8 million each year.
Guilfoyle gained widespread recognition for her work as a co-host on the Fox News program "The Five" and later as the host of her own program, "The Intelligence Report with Kimberly Guilfoyle." She is also well-known for her role as a surrogate for Donald Trump during the presidential campaign of 2016. Guilfoyle is currently in a relationship with Donald Trump Jr. and is involved in a variety of political and charitable organizations.
Greta Van Susteren: $15 Million
This gal is truly best known for her work at Fox News,Susteren is a former television news anchor and commentator. She started out as a criminal defense lawyer before making the switch to television, where she worked as a host and legal expert for Fox, and many other networks.
For her work as a host of her own show, "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren," at Fox News, Van Susteren attained widespread acclaim. She is also known for her involvement in a number of humanitarian organizations. Her in-depth knowledge and keen insight are garnering her a cool $15 Million each year.
Adam Housley: $100 Thousand
Adam Housley is a once upon a time journalist and currently he is the president of Century Oak Winery, a family business he started. When he first entered the media industry, it was as a sports reporter. Later, he shifted to news reporting, covering stories for several television networks and earning a solid reputation in the field.
Housley had covered a wide range of topics during his career, from politics and government to pop culture and breaking news. The former journalist is now Housley Napa Valley's sole owner and winemaker. Housley announced his departure from Fox News in August 2018 owing to dissatisfaction with the network's emphasis on commentary about President Donald Trump at the expense of hard-news reporting. At the end of his career, he was making a salary of 100 thousand dollars.
Dana Perino: $6 Million
Former press secretary for the White House, political analyst, and TV broadcaster Dana Perino is best known for her work at Fox News. Before working as the White House press secretary under President George W. Bush, she started her career in politics as a press secretary for a number of Republican leaders.
National acclaim was bestowed upon Perino for her work as a co-host of the Fox News program "The Five" and then as the anchor of her own program, "The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino." She is renowned for her work as a political pundit and the author of several books, including "And the Good News Is...: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side." She earns a salary of $6 Million each and every year. Bravo Dana!
Chris Wallace: $7 million
Chris Wallace hosted "Fox News Sunday" for 18 years before leaving for CNN in 2021. At Fox, he was known for conducting interviews with figures from across the political spectrum. Wallace moderated presidential debates and covered major political events.
Wallace has won multiple Emmy Awards for his contributions to journalism, in addition to a Peabody Award, George Polk Award, duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton Award, and Paul White lifetime achievement award.
Geraldo Rivera: $6 Million
Journalist, author, and television host Geraldo Rivera has been a mainstay of American media since the 1970s. He started out as an investigative journalist, covering a variety of topics, such as violence and illicit substance abuse. For his coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial in the 1990s, Rivera later rose to fame as a television personality.
Additionally, he has hosted many television programs, such as "Geraldo at Large" and "The Geraldo Rivera Show." Rivera is renowned for his frank ideas and openness to dialog with visitors from all political viewpoints. Numerous honors, including several Emmys, have been given to him for his contributions to journalism at large.This contribution has earned him a salary of $6 Million!
Brit Hume: $5 Million
The political analyst and television journalist Alexander Britton "Brit" Hume is involved in both fields presently. Throughout his entire career, Hume spent a whopping 23 years at ABC News. There, he offered his insights on shows like "This Week," "Nightline," and "World News Tonight." During those yearshe was ABC News’ Chief White House correspondent.
In 1996 he joined the Fox News Channel as the bureau managing editor in Washington, D.C., where he stayed for a total of 12 years.He has been a senior political commentator for Fox News since 2008 and a regular guest on the show's Sunday panel on public affairs.Thus, because of his extensive background in the industry, he now receives an annual income of $5,000,000.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck: $16 Million
Elisabeth Hasselbeck co-hosted "Fox & Friends" from 2013 to 2015. Before Fox News, she was a co-host on ABC's "The View" for a decade, where she frequently clashed with her other co-hosts over conservative views.
Hasselbeck often discussed political and social issues from a conservative perspective. She has also written books on gluten-free living, stemming from her personal struggles with celiac disease.
Martha MacCallum: $8 Million
Martha MacCallum hosts "The Story with Martha MacCallum" on Fox News. She joined the network in 2004 and has covered multiple presidential elections and major news events.
MacCallum conducts interviews with political figures and newsmakers, focusing on current events and political analysis. MacCallum has earned two Gracie Awards for Women in Journalism in 1997 and 2003.
Claudia Cowan: $4 Million
Claudia Cowan is Fox News' San Francisco-based correspondent. She joined the network in 1998 and covers major stories on the West Coast, including natural disasters, high-profile court cases, and state politics.
Cowan's reporting often focuses on issues specific to California and the western United States. Interestingly, she is the stepsister of Melissa, Jonathan and Sara Gilbert.
Curt Menefee: $3 Million
Curt Menefee is primarily known as the host of "Fox NFL Sunday," Fox's pre-game show for NFL coverage. While not a regular on Fox News, he occasionally contributes to the network's sports coverage.
Menefee has been with Fox Sports since 1997 and has hosted various sports programs throughout his career. He has been a sports anchor in both New York City and in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Elizabeth Prann: $1.5 Million
Elizabeth Prann was a reporter and fill-in anchor for Fox News, covering national news stories. She joined the network in 2010 as a production assistant and progressed to on-air roles.
Prann reported on events such as natural disasters and breaking news before leaving Fox News in 2018. Prior to her stint on Fox News, she was a journalism student at the University of Florida while also playing for the women's lacrosse team.
Maria Bartiromo: $50 Million
Maria Bartiromo hosts "Mornings with Maria" on Fox Business Network and "Sunday Morning Futures" on Fox News. She joined Fox in 2014 after a long career at CNBC.
Bartiromo focuses on financial news, economic policy, and interviews with business leaders and politicians. She has been covering Wall Street and financial markets for several decades.
Jacqueline Zaccor, linkedineditors, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Heather Nauert: $3 Million
Heather Nauert was a news anchor for Fox News, co-hosting "Fox & Friends First" and serving as a news anchor for "Fox & Friends."
She joined the network in 2013 and left in 2017 to become the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State. Nauert's background includes journalism experience at ABC News.
Laura Ingraham: $15 million
Laura Ingraham hosts "The Ingraham Angle" on Fox News. She joined the network as a contributor in 2007 and became a permanent host in 2017. Ingraham's background includes working as a speechwriter in the Reagan administration and as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
She has authored several books, both non-fiction and satirical, and previously hosted a radio show. Her ideology attends to align with the Republican party on many issues and she’s a known supporter of Donald Trump.
Steve Doocy: $4 million
Steve Doocy is a co-host of "Fox & Friends," Fox News' morning show. He's been with the network since 1996. Doocy conducts interviews with politicians, celebrities, and newsmakers.
Doocy has authored several books, some co-written with his wife. Prior to working for Fox News, Doocy worked at local TV stations and nationally for NBC and CBS.
Neil Cavuto: $7 million
Neil Cavuto hosts shows on both Fox News and Fox Business Network, including "Your World with Neil Cavuto" and "Cavuto: Coast to Coast." He focuses on economic news and analysis, often discussing how political decisions impact financial markets.
Cavuto joined Fox News in 1996 and Fox Business Network at its launch in 2007. He previously worked for CNBC and PBS.
Jesse Watters: $2 million
Jesse Watters co-hosts "The Five" and hosts "Jesse Watters Primetime" on Fox News. He started at the network as a production assistant in 2002 and gained prominence through segments on "The O'Reilly Factor." Watters' programs often focus on political commentary and cultural issues.
Jesse Watters has been criticized numerous times for misogyny and racism. He has been married twice and has four children.
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shannon Bream: $800,000
Shannon Bream hosts "Fox News @ Night," the network's late-night news program. She joined Fox News in 2007 as a Supreme Court reporter. Bream often covers legal issues and has reported on multiple Supreme Court cases. She has also authored books on women in the Bible.
Before becoming a Fox News anchor, Bream graduated with honors at Florida State University. She earned a Doctor of Law degree and practiced as a lawyer, specializing in harassment and discrimination cases.
Bill Hemmer: $3 million
Bill Hemmer co-anchors "America's Newsroom" on Fox News. He joined the network in 2005 after working at CNN, where he covered the Hurricane Katrina disaster, as well as Hurricane Rita.
Hemmer has since covered numerous major news events, including presidential elections and the Sandy Hook shooting. He often uses data visualization tools to explain complex stories.
Molly Line: Est $150,000
Molly Line is a news correspondent for Fox News Channel, based in Boston. She joined the network in 2006 and has since covered various news stories across the New England region. Line's reporting often focuses on breaking news, politics, and significant events in the northeastern United States
Line has covered major stories such as the Boston Marathon bombing, high-profile court cases, and severe weather events. Before joining Fox News, she worked at several local television stations, gaining experience in both reporting and anchoring. Line's work contributes to Fox News' coverage of regional and national news stories.
Kennedy Montgomery: $400,000
Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, known professionally as Kennedy hosted "Kennedy" on Fox Business Network until 2023. Her show combined political commentary with pop culture topics. After the show’s cancellation, she began serving as a regular host for “Fox News Saturday Night.”
Before joining Fox, Kennedy was known for her work as a VJ on MTV in the 1990s. Montgomery often discusses economic and political issues from a libertarian perspective.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trace Gallagher: Est $200,000
Trace Gallagher serves as a chief breaking news correspondent for Fox News Channel. He joined the network at its inception in 1996 and has since become a versatile reporter covering a wide range of stories. Gallagher is known for his ability to report on breaking news events across various topics, including natural disasters, crime, politics, and international affairs.
His experience also includes anchoring news programs and filling in as a host on various Fox News shows. Gallagher's long tenure at the network has made him a familiar face to Fox News viewers.
Author Ron Winkler Last Updated: July 18, 2024