Megyn Kelly Net Worth
In 2025, Megyn Kelly continues to be one of the most recognized and talked-about personalities in the American media industry. Known for her unflinching demeanor and tenacious journalistic approach, Kelly has made a significant mark on television, radio, and digital platforms. Her rise to prominence was fueled by her commanding presence at Fox News, where she delivered sharp political commentary, insightful interviews, and in-depth coverage of major national events. Her bold departure from the network, followed by a short yet highly publicized stint at NBC, positioned her as a polarizing figure. However, Kelly’s professional moves beyond traditional TV—including her popular podcast and independent media ventures—have solidified her as an enduring force in the media industry.
As of 2025, Megyn Kelly net worth has continued to grow, as she leverages her platform to engage millions of followers across the globe. From a high-profile television career to her current entrepreneurial endeavors, Kelly’s wealth reflects her success, resilience, and influence in shaping public discourse in politics and society. Below, we dive deeper into how she built her empire and her status as one of the wealthiest and most powerful figures in American media.
| Bio Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $45 million |
| Full Name | Megyn Marie Kelly |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Champaign, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Journalist, Political Commentator |
| Marital Status | Married to Douglas Brunt |
| Children | 3 |
Kelly has defied many industry odds, maintaining a formidable presence even after her controversial exit from NBC in 2018. Now, with an extensive fan base tuning into her podcast and other media outlets, many are curious about Megyn Kelly’s net worth and how her career journey has positioned her as a financial powerhouse.
Net Worth Overview:
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As of 2025, Megyn Kelly boasts a net worth of $45 million, according to Forbes. Kelly’s wealth is the result of a long and varied career that spans journalism, television hosting, and more recently, digital media and entrepreneurship. Over the years, her financial success has grown through a combination of lucrative TV contracts, high book sales, and the monetization of her independent platforms. This figure is particularly remarkable when considering the various controversies and professional challenges she has faced along the way, including her abrupt departure from NBC.
Income Sources:
Megyn Kelly has built her fortune through multiple revenue streams that include traditional media, independent projects, and public engagements. A substantial portion of her net worth came from her time at Fox News, where she became one of the highest-paid television personalities on cable news. By the time Kelly left Fox News, her annual salary was estimated at $15-20 million, a reflection of her immense value to the network. Fox News was known for promoting her show The Kelly File during its prime-time slot, which consistently garnered top ratings among cable news shows.
In 2017, Megyn Kelly signed a lucrative contract with NBC that was reportedly worth $69 million over three years. The deal made headlines as she transitioned from a conservative-leaning news platform to a more liberal mainstream media network. Although her time at NBC was cut short after a controversial segment regarding blackface, Kelly reportedly received a substantial buyout of her contract. This settlement alone contributed significantly to her growing net worth.
Key Income Streams:
- Television Contracts: Kelly’s time at Fox News and NBC represented the bulk of her earnings in traditional media.
- Podcasting: After leaving NBC, Kelly shifted her focus toward independent media, launching The Megyn Kelly Show in 2020. The podcast became an instant hit, garnering millions of downloads and offering her a more direct and personal connection with her audience. Sponsorships and advertisements from high-profile brands helped her monetize this platform effectively.
- Books: Kelly authored her memoir, Settle for More, which was published in 2016. The book detailed her rise to fame, personal challenges, and insights into the media world. It was a New York Times bestseller, further boosting her income through royalties.
- Public Speaking: Kelly remains a sought-after public speaker, delivering speeches and hosting events that can generate upwards of six figures per engagement. Her commanding presence and experience in political commentary make her a highly desirable speaker at conferences, universities, and corporate events.
- Consulting and Appearances: Apart from speaking engagements, Kelly occasionally works as a consultant or media advisor. Her expertise is often sought by political candidates, businesses, and media platforms aiming to navigate the complexities of public relations and crisis management.
Career Milestones:
Megyn Kelly’s career trajectory has been defined by several notable moments, each of which contributed significantly to her financial success and influence. Her rise to stardom in the media industry began when she transitioned from practicing law to working as a journalist. Kelly initially worked as a news correspondent for WJLA-TV, an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C., before gaining national prominence at Fox News in 2004.
Key Career Milestones:
- Joining Fox News (2004): After joining Fox News, Kelly’s career took off as she became a trusted voice on political issues. Her legal background allowed her to break down complex issues with clarity and authority. She covered significant events such as the 2008 presidential election, providing insightful commentary.
- The Kelly File (2013): Megyn Kelly’s success reached new heights when she was given her own prime-time program, The Kelly File. The show quickly became one of the most-watched cable news programs, consistently competing with other major shows on Fox News. Her sharp interviews with politicians, lawyers, and cultural figures made her one of the most influential voices in political media.
- 2016 Republican Presidential Debate: During the 2016 presidential election, Kelly became internationally known for her tough questioning of Donald Trump during a Republican debate. Trump’s response to Kelly—both on and off the stage—ignited a media firestorm and solidified Kelly’s status as a polarizing figure. This incident boosted ratings for The Kelly File and dramatically increased her public profile.
- Move to NBC (2017): After more than a decade at Fox News, Kelly made a high-profile move to NBC. Her three-year contract worth $69 million was seen as a major coup for NBC, as Kelly was positioned to host Megyn Kelly Today, part of NBC’s flagship morning lineup. However, her tenure at NBC was marred by controversies, leading to her exit from the network.
- The Megyn Kelly Show (2020): After a period away from television, Kelly launched her independent podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, in 2020. The show became a hit, providing Kelly with a platform free from corporate constraints. The podcast’s success underscores her ability to remain relevant and financially successful outside of traditional media structures.
Luxury Assets:
Megyn Kelly’s net worth affords her a lifestyle that reflects her status as a high-net-worth individual. Despite the controversies that have followed her career, Kelly has built a collection of luxury assets that speak to her financial acumen and taste for fine living.
- Real Estate: Kelly owns a $4 million mansion in Rye, New York, where she resides with her family. The home features multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas, a gourmet kitchen, and large outdoor spaces ideal for entertaining. Kelly’s investment in prime real estate is one of the many ways she secures her financial future.
- Cars: Kelly owns a fleet of luxury vehicles, including a Tesla Model S, known for its cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly features, and a Range Rover, a popular choice among celebrities for its combination of style and performance.
- Other Investments: While Kelly has kept much of her personal financial investments private, it is known that she invests in art and jewelry, adding another dimension to her wealth portfolio. These luxury items not only symbolize her success but also serve as valuable financial assets.
Comparisons:
To provide a clearer picture of Megyn Kelly’s financial standing, let’s compare her net worth to other prominent figures in the media industry.
- Oprah Winfrey: As a media mogul, Oprah Winfrey’s net worth is $2.6 billion. Her career spans decades, and she has created a media empire that includes television, film, publishing, and philanthropy. Oprah’s net worth dwarfs that of most media personalities, including Megyn Kelly.
- Anderson Cooper: CNN anchor Anderson Cooper boasts a net worth of $200 million. Cooper, who comes from the wealthy Vanderbilt family, has also made a name for himself as one of the most respected journalists in the world. His net worth places him far above most of his peers in the news industry.
- Rachel Maddow: Rachel Maddow, a political commentator on MSNBC, has a net worth of $30 million, which is slightly less than Megyn Kelly’s. Maddow’s career success mirrors Kelly’s in many ways, though they occupy different sides of the political spectrum.
- Tucker Carlson: Fox News host Tucker Carlson has a net worth of $30 million, which places him on a similar level to Maddow and slightly below Kelly. Like Kelly, Carlson has become a household name thanks to his commanding presence and controversial political commentary.
- Chris Cuomo: Former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo has a net worth of $12 million, which is significantly lower than Megyn Kelly’s. Cuomo’s career has been marred by personal and professional challenges, contributing to his lower net worth compared to other high-profile media figures.
Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth Over the Years:
Megyn Kelly’s net worth has fluctuated over the years, primarily due to her contract changes and media transitions. Below is a snapshot of her estimated net worth during key periods in her career:
- 2015: At the height of her Fox News career, Kelly’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million. This figure was based on her high salary from Fox News, which had grown steadily thanks to the success of The Kelly File.
- 2017: After signing her $69 million deal with NBC, Kelly’s net worth saw a significant increase, reaching an estimated $25 million. The lucrative contract from NBC, combined with her book sales, contributed to this rapid growth.
- 2020: Following her departure from NBC and the launch of her podcast, Kelly’s net worth reached $40 million. The success of her podcast and various independent ventures added new income streams, bolstering her overall wealth.
- 2025: Today, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated at $45 million, reflecting her continued success in the media industry.
Predictions & Future Net Worth:
Megyn Kelly’s career shows no signs of slowing down. With The Megyn Kelly Show continuing to perform well and attract a loyal audience, it is likely that her income will remain strong in the coming years. Additionally, Kelly has hinted at future business ventures, including potential expansion into television production or digital media platforms.
If Kelly continues on her current trajectory, her net worth could easily grow to $60 million or more in the next five to ten years, especially if she capitalizes on new media trends or signs additional contracts with major networks or streaming services.
Additional Sections:
Who is Megyn Kelly?
Megyn Kelly is an American journalist, political commentator, and television host known for her fearless approach to political interviews and commentary. She gained national fame for her work at Fox News before transitioning to NBC and later independent media.
How Does Megyn Kelly Make Money?
Kelly’s income is derived from various sources, including television contracts, podcasting, public speaking, and book sales. She has successfully monetized her brand across different media platforms.
Biography:
Born on November 18, 1970, Megyn Kelly grew up in Champaign, Illinois. After earning her law degree, she practiced law before transitioning to journalism. Kelly’s career in media began in 2004 when she joined Fox News.
Early Life:
Kelly earned her law degree from Albany Law School before transitioning into journalism. Her legal background has served her well in providing sharp, informed commentary on major political and legal issues.
Is Megyn Kelly Alive or Dead?
As of 2025, Megyn Kelly is alive and actively engaged in her independent media ventures.
How Much Is Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth in 2025 According to Forbes?
According to Forbes, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is currently estimated at $45 million.
Summary of Her Life:
Megyn Kelly has enjoyed a remarkable career, overcoming challenges and controversies to remain one of the most influential voices in American media. Her sharp journalistic instincts, legal expertise, and ability to reinvent herself have contributed to her $45 million net worth. Today, she continues to shape public discourse through her independent ventures, cementing her legacy as a powerful and resilient media personality.
