When Hoda Kotb finally walked off the Today show set in early 2025, it wasn't just a goodbye to her "morning family"—it was the end of one of the most lucrative eras in morning television history. For years, we watched her sip wine with Kathie Lee and then pivot to hard news with Savannah Guthrie. But behind that trademark grin, there’s been a massive amount of speculation about her bank account. People love to talk about the "NBC pay gap," and honestly, the numbers are kind of wild when you actually look at them.
Hoda Kotb net worth and salary is a topic that usually gets buried under headlines about her daughters or her "joy" brand. But let’s be real: you don’t stay at the top of the peacock network for decades without stacking some serious paper. As of 2026, Hoda’s net worth sits at an estimated $30 million.
How did she get there? It wasn't just the 4:00 AM wake-up calls. It was a mix of calculated contract moves, a quiet real estate game, and a book-writing hustle that most people underestimate.
The $7 Million Question: Her Actual NBC Salary
There is a huge misconception that Hoda was making Matt Lauer money. She wasn't. Not even close. When she officially took over the anchor desk in 2018, reports swirled that she signed a deal worth roughly $7 million to $8 million a year.
To a normal person, that is a lottery win every twelve months. But in the world of network TV? It was a scandal.
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- The Lauer Legacy: Her predecessor was reportedly pulling in $20 million to $25 million.
- The Kelly Comparison: Megyn Kelly’s short-lived stint at NBC came with a $20 million annual price tag.
- The Savannah Factor: Hoda and Savannah Guthrie reportedly maintained salary parity, both hovering in that $7–$8 million range, though some insiders suggest they hit closer to $10 million with bonuses toward the end of their run together.
Hoda was famously chill about it. She told People magazine back then, "I’m not making Matt Lauer money, not even close." She seemed more interested in the seat than the zeros, which is probably why she lasted so much longer than the "high-priced" talent.
Why She Walked Away (The Puck Report)
Fast forward to late 2024. The media landscape was shifting. Puck News dropped a bombshell suggesting that NBC executives were looking to trim the fat. They reportedly proposed a significant cut to her salary—some sources say they wanted to bring her down from her $20 million-plus (accumulated through various roles) to a much lower figure.
She basically said, "No thanks."
Instead of taking a pay cut to keep the grueling schedule, she chose her kids and her peace. You've gotta respect that. By the time she left in January 2025, she had already secured her "suburban sanctuary."
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The Real Estate: From Manhattan to Bronxville
Hoda’s money isn't just sitting in a savings account. She’s been smart with property. For years, she was a fixture on the Upper West Side, but the big move happened just before her retirement.
- The Bronxville Colonial: In April 2024, she dropped $2.89 million on a four-bedroom house in Bronxville, NY. It’s got heated marble floors and 4,000 square feet of space—perfect for Haley Joy and Hope Catherine to run around.
- The Point Lookout Getaway: She also owns a waterfront home in Point Lookout, New York. She reportedly paid around $2 million for this place back in 2018. It’s her "happy place" away from the cameras.
Books, Podcasting, and the 2026 "Brand" Income
If you think Hoda is just sitting on a porch in Bronxville, you haven't been paying attention. Her net worth is actually expected to climb now that she's free from the NBC exclusive contract.
She’s a New York Times bestselling author many times over. We’re talking about six books, ranging from her autobiography to children’s titles like I’ve Loved You Since Forever. Those royalties don't just stop. Plus, her "Making Space" podcast is a massive hit.
In 2026, the real money is in the "Hoda Brand." Now that she isn't a full-time news employee, she can do things she never could before:
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- Speaking Engagements: Experts estimate she can command $100,000 to $200,000 per speech.
- Brand Endorsements: Think of the "lifestyle" brands dying to partner with her.
- Consulting: She still has a "long-term" relationship with NBC for special projects (like the Olympics), which likely carries a high six-figure or low seven-figure retainer.
The Bottom Line
Hoda Kotb didn't leave NBC because she was broke; she left because she was rich enough to choose how she spends her time. She traded a $10 million-plus annual grind for a more diversified, relaxed income stream that probably nets her just as much with half the stress.
If you're looking to replicate her financial stability, the takeaway is pretty clear. Don't just rely on your primary salary. Hoda built a brand that exists outside of the 30 Rockefeller Plaza building. She turned her personality into an asset that she now owns 100%.
Actionable Insights for 2026:
- Audit your "Side Hustles": Hoda’s books and podcasts were her insurance policy. What are yours?
- Know your worth, but know your "enough": She walked away from a massive contract because she knew her net worth could sustain her lifestyle without the 4:00 AM alarm.
- Diversify into Real Estate: Her properties in Bronxville and Point Lookout aren't just homes; they are appreciating assets in high-demand New York markets.