Megyn Kelly Net Worth: A Deep Dive Into the Career and Wealth of the Renowned Journalist
Megyn Kelly is one of the most well-known names in American media. From her rise as a legal correspondent to becoming a primetime Fox News anchor, hosting a controversial stint at NBC, and now leading her own independent media platform, Kelly has had a remarkable career. Her financial success has paralleled her professional achievements, leaving many people curious about Megyn Kelly net worth in 2025. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Megyn Kelly’s journey, the sources of her wealth, the central contracts she signed, and how her current ventures continue to boost her fortune.
Early Life and Education
Before analyzing Megyn Kelly net worth, it’s essential to understand her roots.
- Full Name: Megyn Marie Kelly
- Date of Birth: November 18, 1970
- Birthplace: Champaign, Illinois, USA
Kelly grew up in a middle-class family. Her father, Edward Kelly, was a professor at the State University of New York at Albany, and her mother, Linda Kelly, worked as a nurse. After her father passed away when she was 15, Megyn’s resilience and determination became evident.
She attended Syracuse University, earning a degree in political science, and later graduated from Albany Law School with a J.D. degree. Initially, her career path was in law, not journalism.
Transition From Law to Journalism
Before becoming a household media name, Kelly worked as a corporate litigator at Bickel & Brewer LLP and Jones Day. However, she wasn’t entirely satisfied with her legal career.
In 2003, she transitioned into broadcast journalism, starting as a general assignment correspondent for an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. Shortly after, she joined Fox News, where her career truly skyrocketed.
This shift from law to journalism laid the foundation for her future wealth. The move not only positioned her in the public eye but also opened the doors to lucrative contracts that helped build up Megyn Kelly’s net worth.
Rise to Fame at Fox News
Megyn Kelly joined Fox News in 2004, initially as a legal correspondent. Her sharp debating skills, polished presentation, and ability to handle controversial topics quickly gained attention.
She eventually became the host of “America Live” and later “The Kelly File”, which became one of the highest-rated cable news programs.
Salary at Fox News
During her peak years at Fox, Kelly reportedly earned between $6 million $9 million annually. These high earnings played a pivotal role in building Megyn Kelly net worth, establishing her as one of the top-paid women in broadcast journalism at the time.
The NBC Contract and Its Fallout
In 2017, Megyn Kelly left Fox News to take on a high-profile role at NBC News. Her contract was widely reported to be worth $69 million over three years, making her one of the most highly compensated journalists in television history.
NBC Earnings
Although her shows, including “Megyn Kelly Today,” faced criticism and were canceled earlier than expected, Kelly still received a payout of approximately $30 million upon leaving NBC in 2019.
This massive contract significantly boosted Megyn Kelly net worth, even though her time at NBC was considered controversial and short-lived.
Building Independent Wealth Through Media Ventures
After she departed from NBC, Kelly pivoted toward independent media, an increasingly lucrative industry for high-profile personalities.
The Megyn Kelly Show
In 2020, she launched The Megyn Kelly Show, a podcast and YouTube-based program featuring political commentary, celebrity interviews, and cultural discussions.
- The show quickly gained popularity, amassing millions of views and downloads.
- She signed a deal with SiriusXM to broadcast her show, further increasing her revenue streams.
- Industry reports estimate the podcast’s earnings to be between $16 million to $20 million annually.
This entrepreneurial shift has been one of the most significant contributors to Megyn Kelly’s net worth, demonstrating her ability to succeed outside mainstream television.
Other Sources of Income
Megyn Kelly’s wealth is not limited to her broadcast contracts.
Book Deal
In 2016, Kelly released her memoir, “Settle for More,” which became a New York Times bestseller. The book deal reportedly earned her a multimillion-dollar advance, adding a significant boost to her finances.
Public Speaking
Kelly is also a sought-after public speaker, commanding high fees for keynote appearances, especially on topics such as politics, media, women’s empowerment, and law.
Legal Background
Although she no longer practices law, her early years as an attorney provided her with financial stability before her media career took off.
Megyn Kelly Net Worth in 2025
So, what exactly is Megyn Kelly net worth today?
According to most reputable financial sources, including Celebrity Net Worth and Finance Monthly, Megyn Kelly net worth is an estimated at around $45 million as of 2025.
Some outlets, such as Equity Atlas (via HotNewHipHop), suggest her fortune may be as high as $75 million, though this figure is less widely accepted.
Breakdown of Wealth
- Fox News earnings: ~$6–9 million per year at peak
- NBC payout: ~$30 million
- Podcast and independent ventures: ~$16–20 million annually
- Book and speaking engagements: Millions in additional income
Comparison With Other Media Personalities
To put Megyn Kelly net worth into perspective:
- Sean Hannity (Fox News) – Estimated at $300 million
- Tucker Carlson (Independent/Former Fox Host) – Estimated at $30–40 million
- Anderson Cooper (CNN) – Estimated at $50 million
- Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) – Estimated at $35 million
Kelly stands among the wealthiest female journalists in America, demonstrating that her strategic career moves have been highly successful.
Lifestyle and Personal Life
Megyn Kelly’s net worth enables her to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, although she is not known for excessive extravagance compared to some other media stars.
She lives in New York with her husband, Douglas Brunt, a novelist and former CEO. Together, they have three children.
Despite her fortune, Kelly often emphasizes family life and independence over luxury. Many of her recent career decisions, including her departure from NBC, were influenced by her desire for autonomy and creative control.
Key Factors Behind Megyn Kelly’s Wealth
- Strategic Career Moves – Leaving law for journalism and later moving from traditional networks to independent media ensured her relevance and income growth.
- High-Value Contracts – Multi-million-dollar deals with Fox and NBC boosted her fortune significantly.
- Entrepreneurship – Her podcast and media company have turned into highly profitable ventures.
- Diverse Income Streams – Beyond TV, she earns from books, speaking, and digital platforms.
Future Outlook
Given the growing popularity of independent media, Megyn Kelly net worth is likely to increase further in the coming years. With millions tuning into her podcast and her ability to remain culturally and politically relevant, her financial future looks secure.
If her platform continues to expand and advertising and subscription revenues rise, Megyn Kelly could push her wealth closer to $60 million or more within the next decade.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly’s journey from a lawyer to one of America’s most prominent journalists is inspiring. Her career has seen both triumphs and setbacks, but through it all, she has managed to build an impressive fortune.
As of 2025, Megyn Kelly net worth is estimated at $45 million, with some estimates reaching as high as $75 million. Her earnings from Fox News, her lucrative NBC contract, and her thriving independent ventures all contribute to her wealth.
You May Also Read: Buck Sexton Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Wealth of a Media Personality
