Megyn Kelly Net Worth: A Look at the Career and Earnings of the Prominent Journalist

Introduction

Megyn Kelly is a well-known American journalist, television host, and political commentator who has built an impressive career in media. From her early days as a corporate defense attorney to her rise as a star anchor at Fox News and later at NBC, Kelly has become one of the most recognizable faces in broadcast journalism. Over the years, her high-profile roles, lucrative contracts, and business ventures have contributed significantly to her wealth. This article explores Megyn Kelly’s net worth, the key milestones in her career, and the various income streams that have shaped her financial success.

1. Early Career and Transition into Journalism

Before becoming a household name in television news, Megyn Kelly pursued a career in law. After earning her Juris Doctor (JD) from Albany Law School, she worked as a corporate defense attorney for nearly a decade. However, her passion for storytelling and public speaking led her to transition into journalism. She began her media career as a correspondent for ABC News, where she covered high-profile legal cases. Her sharp analytical skills and on-screen presence quickly caught the attention of major networks, paving the way for her eventual move to Fox News in 2004. This career shift marked the beginning of her ascent in broadcast journalism and set the foundation for her future earnings.

2. Rise to Fame at Fox News

Megyn Kelly’s tenure at Fox News was a defining period in her career. She gained widespread recognition as the host of The Kelly File, a prime-time news and commentary show that became one of the network’s highest-rated programs. Her fearless interviewing style, particularly during political debates and confrontations with powerful figures, earned her both praise and controversy. During her time at Fox, Kelly negotiated multiple contract renewals, each significantly increasing her salary. Reports suggest that by the time she left the network in 2017, she was earning an annual salary of around $15–20 million, making her one of the highest-paid news anchors in the industry.

3. NBC Tenure and High-Profile Exit

In 2017, Megyn Kelly made a highly publicized move to NBC, where she was given a multi-million-dollar contract to host Megyn Kelly Today, a morning talk show. The deal was reportedly worth $69 million over three years, reflecting NBC’s confidence in her star power. However, her time at the network was short-lived due to declining ratings and controversies, including comments she made about blackface that sparked widespread backlash. NBC terminated her contract in 2018, but due to its guaranteed terms, Kelly received a substantial payout, estimated to be in the tens of millions. Despite the abrupt end to her NBC career, this phase significantly contributed to her overall net worth.

4. Post-NBC Ventures and Current Earnings

Since leaving NBC, Megyn Kelly has remained active in media through various platforms. She launched The Megyn Kelly Show, a podcast under SiriusXM, where she interviews newsmakers and discusses politics, culture, and current events. Additionally, she has secured lucrative deals for speaking engagements, book deals, and occasional television appearances. Her 2016 memoir, Settle for More, was a bestseller, further adding to her income. While her exact earnings from these ventures are not publicly disclosed, experts estimate that she continues to earn millions annually through her podcast, sponsorships, and other media projects.

5. Real Estate and Personal Investments

Beyond her media career, Megyn Kelly has made smart investments in real estate, which have bolstered her net worth. She and her husband, Douglas Brunt, own multiple properties, including a luxurious $10.5 million townhouse in New York City and a sprawling estate in Connecticut. These high-value assets contribute significantly to her overall wealth. Additionally, Kelly has diversified her portfolio through private investments and endorsements, ensuring long-term financial stability outside of her journalism career.

6. Megyn Kelly’s Estimated Net Worth in 2024

Taking into account her earnings from Fox News, NBC, book sales, podcasting, and real estate investments, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be between $45–60 million. While her career has seen its share of ups and downs, her ability to secure high-paying contracts and pivot into new ventures has kept her financially successful. Even after stepping back from mainstream television, she remains a influential voice in media, ensuring that her wealth continues to grow.

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly’s net worth reflects her resilience, business acumen, and adaptability in the ever-changing media landscape. From her beginnings as a lawyer to her dominance in cable news and her current success in digital media, she has consistently leveraged her talents to build a substantial fortune. While her career has not been without controversy, her financial achievements underscore her status as one of the most prominent and well-compensated journalists of her generation. As she continues to expand her brand through podcasts, writing, and public appearances, her net worth is likely to remain a topic of interest for years to come.