If you’ve flipped on the TV at 7:00 AM lately, you’ve definitely seen him. Craig Melvin is officially the new face of morning television. Since taking over the primary co-anchor seat on the Today show following Hoda Kotb’s departure in early 2025, everyone is asking the same question: how much is the guy actually making?
Talking about money is always a little awkward. But when it comes to Craig Melvin net worth, the numbers are getting pretty massive. We aren't just talking about a comfortable "TV salary" anymore. We are talking about the kind of wealth that comes with being the pillar of a multi-billion-dollar news franchise.
The Big Promotion: A Massive Salary Bump
Honestly, for the longest time, Craig was the ultimate utility player at NBC. He did the news desk, he did the 3rd Hour, and he filled in whenever needed. For that, he was pulling in a reported $3 million a year.
Not bad, right?
But that was before the big chair. When he was announced as Hoda's successor, the industry buzz suggested his new contract would land somewhere between $5 million and $8 million annually. While that’s still a bit under the $10 million+ that veteran anchors like Savannah Guthrie might command, it’s a life-changing jump.
Network TV is a grind. You're up at 3:30 AM. You’re traveling to Olympics in Paris or covering political conventions. That salary reflects the fact that Craig isn't just a reporter anymore; he’s the brand.
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Breaking Down Craig Melvin Net Worth in 2026
As of early 2026, experts and financial trackers estimate Craig Melvin net worth is approximately $14 million.
Now, wait. It’s important to realize that this isn’t just Craig’s solo bank account. He is half of a major media power couple. His wife, Lindsay Czarniak, is a heavy hitter in the sports broadcasting world. She’s worked for ESPN, Fox Sports, and has her own successful podcast. When you combine their career earnings over the last two decades, that $14 million figure starts to make a lot of sense.
They’ve been smart. They haven't just sat on their cash.
Real Estate: The $6 Million Connecticut Mansion
You can tell a lot about a celebrity's wealth by where they sleep. Craig and Lindsay aren't living in a cramped Manhattan apartment. They’ve gone the "suburban luxury" route in Westport, Connecticut.
In 2021, the couple bought a stunning 9,000-square-foot home for $5 million. It has six bedrooms, a home theater, and a CrossFit gym in the basement. Since the housing market has stayed fairly hot, that property is now valued at over **$6.2 million**.
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They actually sold their previous Westport home for about $2.9 million before upgrading. That’s a classic move: using real estate equity to climb the ladder. It’s a huge chunk of their overall net worth.
The "Pops" Factor: Book Deals and Side Hustles
Craig isn’t just a talking head. He’s an author. His book, Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father, was more than just a passion project. It was a commercial success that added to his "off-camera" income.
While book royalties rarely make someone a millionaire on their own (unless you're Stephen King), they provide a steady stream of passive income. Plus, it builds his personal brand. When he speaks at events or does sponsored content—rare for a newsman, but it happens in moderated forms—those fees are likely in the five-figure range per appearance.
Why the Number Might Be Even Higher
There is a lot we don't see. Most people forget about:
- Investments: High-net-worth individuals like Melvin usually have diversified portfolios managed by professionals.
- Pension and Benefits: NBCUniversal has robust retirement structures for long-term talent. Craig has been with the family since 2011. That's 15 years of contributions.
- Production Credits: Anchors often get "producer" credits on special segments or documentaries, which come with extra checks.
Basically, $14 million is the floor, not the ceiling.
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The Journey from South Carolina to the Big Time
It’s kinda wild to think about where he started. Craig grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. His first gig was as an "Our Generation Reporter" at WIS-TV while he was still in high school.
Think about that.
He went from a local teen reporter to sitting in the same chair as Matt Lauer and Bryant Gumbel. That kind of career longevity is rare in TV. Most people burn out or get canceled. Craig stayed steady. He’s "even" all the time, as he’s said in interviews. That reliability is exactly why NBC was willing to invest millions in him.
What You Can Learn from Craig’s Financial Path
You don't have to be a TV star to take a few notes from his playbook. His wealth wasn't built overnight. It was built on:
- Specialization: He became the "everything guy" until he became the "only guy" for the job.
- Strategic Real Estate: Buying in high-value areas like Westport and upgrading as his salary grew.
- The Power Couple Dynamic: Managing finances with a spouse who is also a high earner.
If you’re looking to track your own path toward a higher net worth, start by looking at your "home equity" and your "side brand."
Craig Melvin is now a staple of American mornings. With a new multi-year contract likely locked in, expect that $14 million net worth to climb significantly by the time the next Olympic cycle rolls around. He’s no longer just a rising star—he’s arrived.
Next Step: To get a better handle on your own financial trajectory, you should audit your current assets and see if your "real estate equity" is working as hard for you as Craig's is for him.