Unpacking Today Show Hosts Salaries: From Millions To Megastars' Net Worths

Treva McCullough V 17 Jun 2025

For decades, the "Today Show" has been a morning staple, delivering news, interviews, and entertainment right into our homes. As viewers sip their coffee, they often wonder about the lives of the familiar faces gracing their screens, and perhaps, more specifically, about the "Today Show hosts salaries" that these prominent personalities command. It's a natural curiosity, given the show's enduring popularity and the high-profile nature of its anchors.

The world of broadcast journalism, particularly at the pinnacle of morning television, is known for its lucrative contracts. These aren't just newsreaders; they are media personalities, brand ambassadors, and often, authors and entrepreneurs in their own right. Their influence extends far beyond the studio, making their compensation a fascinating subject for anyone interested in the intersection of media, celebrity, and finance.

The Morning Show Powerhouse: An Overview of the Today Show
Understanding Today Show Hosts Salaries: The Big Picture
The Titans of Morning Television: Individual Host Salaries & Net Worths
The Past and The Payouts: Notable Former Today Show Hosts Salaries
Beyond the Paycheck: The Broader Financial Landscape of Morning TV
Why Do Today Show Hosts Command Such High Salaries?
Conclusion

The Morning Show Powerhouse: An Overview of the Today Show

The "Today Show" has been a cornerstone of morning television since its debut in 1952. NBC News pioneered the morning news program when it launched "Today" with Dave Garroway as host, captivating audiences and setting the tone for the day ahead. Now, over 70 years later, the "Today" broadcast features a team of about a dozen anchors who helm the show and supply the breaking news throughout the week. Many of these individuals have become household names, ingrained in the daily routines of millions.

A decade ago, "Today" and "Good Morning America" were averaging around 5 million viewers each morning. While those numbers have dwindled to around 2.5 million today, a dramatic shift in viewership habits, the show's influence and reach remain undeniable. The anchors aren't just delivering news; they're building relationships with their audience, fostering a sense of community and trust that is invaluable in the competitive media landscape.

Understanding Today Show Hosts Salaries: The Big Picture

When we talk about "Today Show hosts salaries," we're entering a realm of significant figures. The compensation for these high-profile roles reflects their experience, popularity, and the demanding nature of their jobs. On average, "Today Show" hosts receive an annual salary of $2 million. However, this is just an average, and the actual figures can vary wildly, with their salaries ranging from $0.5 million to an impressive $10 million per year, and in some cases, even higher for the most established figures.

It's important to differentiate these figures from the broader salary landscape within the "Today Show" or NBC. While ZipRecruiter reports annual salaries for general NBC "Today Show" staff ranging between $33,000 (25th percentile) to $56,500, with some as low as $26,000, these numbers do not reflect the elite compensation packages of the main anchors. The hosts are in a different league, reflecting their unique value proposition to the network.

The substantial paychecks of the "Today Show" hosts also contribute to impressive net worths. These figures are a testament not only to their on-air earnings but also to other ventures, such as book deals, endorsements, and investments that often accompany such a high level of public recognition. The overall salaries of hosts across morning shows collectively account for a significant portion of network budgets, with figures reportedly reaching $98 million in total for all morning show hosts.

The Titans of Morning Television: Individual Host Salaries & Net Worths

To truly understand the landscape of "Today Show hosts salaries," it's crucial to look at the individual anchors who make the show what it is. Each brings a unique background, set of skills, and level of experience, all of which factor into their compensation.

Savannah Guthrie: The Steady Anchor's Fortune

Savannah Guthrie has become synonymous with the "Today Show" over the years, serving as a co-anchor and a steady presence in millions of homes. Her journey to the top is a testament to dedication and hard work.

Biography: Savannah Guthrie

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Savannah Clark Guthrie
Date of Birth	December 27, 1971
Place of Birth	Melbourne, Australia (raised in Tucson, Arizona, USA)
Role on Today Show	Co-Anchor
First Job Fun Fact	Bussing tables for $1 an hour

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Savannah Guthrie's net worth is an estimated $40 million. She has definitely come a long way since her first job, which—fun fact—was apparently bussing tables for $1 an hour. Her current salary is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but given her prominent role and the overall salary range for top hosts, it would certainly be in the multi-million dollar bracket, contributing significantly to her impressive net worth.

Hoda Kotb: A Beloved Figure's Evolving Compensation

Hoda Kotb is another beloved figure on the "Today Show," known for her warmth and genuine personality. Her career trajectory and salary figures offer an interesting insight into the dynamics of long-term contracts and evolving roles within the network.

Biography: Hoda Kotb

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Hoda Kotb
Date of Birth	August 9, 1964
Place of Birth	Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Role on Today Show	Co-Anchor (formerly with Jenna Bush Hager on "Today with Hoda & Jenna")
Tenure on Today	Almost two decades

Hoda Kotb's salary at "Today" has been a topic of discussion. Per a report from Page Six in 2018, NBC sources told the outlet that Hoda was making $7 million a year to star on "Today." This was a significant decrease in salary compared to some of her predecessors, highlighting the changing landscape of media contracts. More recently, Hoda Kotb's salary at "Today" is reportedly between $8 million, indicating a slight increase or a range around that figure. If you’ve been sipping your morning coffee with "Today with Hoda & Jenna" playing in the background, chances are you’ve felt a little emptier lately, as earlier this year, Hoda Kotb has been planning her exit from "Today" after almost two decades at the beloved morning show. This transition also impacts the "Today Show hosts salaries" conversation, as it opens up opportunities for others.

Al Roker: More Than Just the Weather

Al Roker is an institution on the "Today Show," a familiar and comforting presence for decades. He serves as the weatherman on "Today" along with hosting the show’s third hour, making him one of the most visible and enduring personalities.

Biography: Al Roker

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Albert Lincoln Roker Jr.
Date of Birth	August 20, 1954
Place of Birth	Queens, New York, USA
Role on Today Show	Weather Anchor, Co-Host of 3rd Hour
Career Milestone	Became host of his own weekend talk show on CNBC, "The Al Roker Show," in 1995. Took over from Scott as main weather anchor in 1996.

The New York Times bestselling author has an estimated net worth of $70 million. While his exact "Today Show" salary isn't explicitly detailed in the provided data, his long tenure, multiple roles on the show, and successful ventures outside of television undoubtedly contribute to his substantial wealth. He is a testament to the longevity and financial rewards possible for key figures in morning television.

Craig Melvin: Stepping Up and Cashing In

Craig Melvin has steadily risen through the ranks at NBC, and his role on "Today" has become increasingly prominent. With Hoda Kotb planning her exit, Craig Melvin, 45, will be taking over for "Today" anchor Hoda Kotb when she steps down.

Biography: Craig Melvin

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Craig Melvin
Date of Birth	May 20, 1979
Place of Birth	Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Age (as of data)	45
Role on Today Show	News Anchor, Co-Host of 3rd Hour, expected replacement for Hoda Kotb

The move to a more central anchoring role will undoubtedly give him a big salary bump. As US Weekly reports, he’ll make about $5 million to $6 million in his new capacity. This significant increase highlights how crucial and valuable these lead anchoring positions are, directly impacting "Today Show hosts salaries" and demonstrating the network's investment in its rising stars. What’s Craig Melvin’s "Today" salary? It's clearly moving into the upper echelons of morning television compensation.

Sheinelle Jones: A Rising Star's Financial Journey

Sheinelle Jones has become a familiar and beloved face on the "Today Show," particularly during the third hour. Her journey exemplifies the career progression and financial growth within the morning news landscape.

Biography: Sheinelle Jones

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Sheinelle Marie Jones
Date of Birth	April 19, 1978
Place of Birth	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Role on Today Show	Co-Host of 3rd Hour, News Anchor
Family Influence	Credits her mother with raising her; father is U.S. (implies military or government)

"Today" host Sheinelle Jones is earning a whopping fortune, with her annual salary falling between the $1 million and $5 million range. This places her firmly within the top tier of "Today Show hosts salaries." NBC mainstay "The Today Show" has recently been missing a famous face, as Sheinelle Jones dropped off the program on January 10th, 2025, the same day Hoda Kotb aired her final show. This suggests a significant shift for her as well, though the specifics of her future role or departure are not fully detailed, the data indicates a notable change in her presence on the show.

Carson Daly: From MTV to Morning Mainstay

Carson Daly's career trajectory is unique, transitioning from a pop culture icon on MTV to a respected and integral part of the "Today Show" team. His versatility and enduring appeal have made him a valuable asset to NBC.

Biography: Carson Daly

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Carson Jones Daly
Date of Birth	June 22, 1973
Place of Birth	Santa Monica, California, USA
Role on Today Show	Host of "Today's Take" (former), Orange Room host, contributing correspondent
NBC Affiliation	Part of the NBC roster since 2002

Also boasting a $40 million net worth is Carson Daly, one of the newest members of the "Today" team in terms of his prominent on-air role, but a part of the NBC roster since 2002. He hosted and produced his own late-night talk show, showcasing his diverse talents. While his specific "Today Show" salary isn't provided, his substantial net worth aligns him with the financial success of his co-anchors, reflecting the value of his contributions and broad appeal.

The Past and The Payouts: Notable Former Today Show Hosts Salaries

To fully appreciate the current landscape of "Today Show hosts salaries," it's worth looking at the past, particularly the figures commanded by former anchors. These historical figures often set precedents and provide context for today's negotiations.

Matt Lauer, a long-time fixture on the "Today Show," famously commanded one of the highest salaries in morning television. He reportedly signed a $20 million contract in 2016, just before his firing from NBC in November for "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace." This figure, combined with the general statement that "The 'Today Show' host has an annual salary of $25 million per year," which seems to align with Lauer's peak earnings, underscores the immense financial power held by the show's lead anchors during its most dominant periods. Matt Lauer came in at number five on a list of top earners, with his $25 million for hosting the "Today Show," a clear indicator of the top-tier "Today Show hosts salaries" at the time.

Beyond the Paycheck: The Broader Financial Landscape of Morning TV

The high "Today Show hosts salaries" are part of a larger financial ecosystem in morning television. These figures are not just arbitrary numbers; they reflect a complex interplay of factors:

Star Power and Brand Value: Anchors become brands themselves, attracting viewers and advertisers. Their ability to connect with an audience translates directly into revenue for the network.
Experience and Longevity: Long-serving anchors like Al Roker have built decades of trust and familiarity with viewers, making them incredibly valuable assets.
Versatility: Many hosts do more than just anchor; they write books, host other shows, engage in charity work, and represent the network in various capacities, adding to their overall value.
Competition: The morning show landscape is fiercely competitive. Networks are willing to pay top dollar to secure and retain talent that can draw in and maintain viewership against rivals like "Good Morning America."

However, as noted, viewership numbers for morning shows have declined across the board. A decade ago, "Today" and "Good Morning America" were averaging around 5 million viewers each morning. Now, those numbers have dwindled to around 2.5 million, a dramatic shift. This shift puts pressure on the networks to justify such high "Today Show hosts salaries" and may influence future contract negotiations, potentially leading to more performance-based incentives or a re-evaluation of compensation structures.

Why Do Today Show Hosts Command Such High Salaries?

The question of why "Today Show hosts salaries" are so high boils down to a few core principles of the media industry:

Influence and Reach: Morning shows reach millions of viewers daily, setting the agenda and tone for the day. The hosts are trusted figures who can sway public opinion, promote products, and drive narratives. This level of influence is extremely valuable to a network.
Talent and Charisma: It takes a unique blend of journalistic integrity, on-screen charisma, and the ability to connect with a diverse audience to succeed in morning television. These aren't just newsreaders; they are entertainers and personalities.
Branding and Advertising Revenue: The "Today Show" is a massive advertising platform. High viewership numbers directly translate to higher advertising rates. The hosts are integral to attracting and retaining that audience, making them central to the show's profitability.
Scarcity of Top Talent: Truly exceptional and reliable on-air talent is rare. Networks are in a bidding war for individuals who can consistently deliver ratings and maintain a positive public image.
Long-Term Investment: Networks invest heavily in building the careers and public profiles of their anchors. Once established, these anchors become the face of the network's morning news, justifying significant long-term contracts.

These factors combine

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