When Hoda Kotb walked away from the anchor desk in early 2025, everyone had the same question. Why leave that kind of money on the table? We’re talking about one of the most recognizable faces in morning television history, a woman who basically became America’s best friend over a cup of coffee. If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines. People are obsessed with figuring out how much is Hoda worth now that she isn't waking up at 3:00 a.m. to talk to us on the Today show.
Honestly, the numbers might surprise you.
As of early 2026, experts and financial analysts peg Hoda Kotb’s net worth at approximately $30 million.
Now, that’s not just "I can buy a nice car" money. That is "I never have to work another day in my life" money. But the path to that $30 million wasn't a straight line, and it certainly didn't happen overnight. It was built on decades of grit, a very famous glass of wine with Kathie Lee Gifford, and some savvy moves in the publishing world.
The Salary Switch That Started It All
Let’s go back a few years. When Hoda took over for Matt Lauer in 2018, the media went into a total frenzy over the pay gap. Lauer was reportedly pulling in a staggering $20 million to $25 million a year. When Hoda stepped in alongside Savannah Guthrie, her starting salary was widely reported to be around $7 million or $8 million.
She wasn't bothered by it. At least, that’s what she told the press. She famously said she wasn't making "Matt Lauer money," but she was doing the job she loved.
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By the time she decided to hang up her hosting hat, her salary had reportedly climbed significantly. Some industry insiders, like those at Puck News, suggested her final contract was worth north of $20 million per year. Think about that. Even with the "downward trend" of cable TV, NBC knew they couldn't afford to lose her warmth. Until, eventually, they had to.
Where Does The $30 Million Actually Come From?
You can't just look at a paycheck and call it a day. That’s not how wealth works for someone at Hoda’s level.
- The NBC Tenure: Twenty-six years is a long time. She started at Dateline in 1998. That’s a lot of 401(k) contributions and compound interest.
- The Books: Hoda is a New York Times bestselling powerhouse. From her memoir Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee to her children's books like I’ve Loved You Since Forever, she’s been raking in royalties for over a decade. In late 2025, she even dropped Jump and Find Joy, which became an instant hit for everyone looking for a mid-life career change.
- Real Estate: She recently made a big move. She traded the hectic Manhattan life for a $2.9 million home in Bronxville, New York. It’s a gorgeous spot where she’s been raising her daughters, Haley and Hope. She also has a place on Long Island that’s been a sanctuary for years.
- The New Ventures: Since leaving the daily grind, she hasn't just been sitting on her porch. She launched a wellness brand called Joy 101 and continues to host special events, like the 2026 Rose Parade.
How Much Is Hoda Worth Compared To Her Peers?
It’s kinda fascinating to see where she sits in the hierarchy of TV legends. While $30 million is massive, it’s a different world than someone like Kelly Ripa or Ryan Seacrest, who have been in the $100 million+ club for a while.
But Hoda’s wealth feels... different. It’s grounded.
When people ask "how much is Hoda worth," they are usually looking for a dollar sign. But for Hoda, the value shifted. She reportedly left the $20 million-a-year gig because she wanted to be the one taking her kids to school. She wanted to sleep until 4:30 a.m.—which, for her, is "sleeping in."
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The "Joy" Economy
There was a rumor floating around toward the end of her NBC run. Some said the network wanted to cut her salary because of declining morning show ratings. Others say she just outgrew the box. Whatever the truth is, her brand remains incredibly valuable.
Advertisers love her.
Moms love her.
She’s got that "it" factor that makes people buy the books she recommends and the products she likes. That "Joy" isn't just a catchphrase; it's a revenue stream. Her podcast Making Space continues to draw huge numbers, and that kind of independent media ownership is often more lucrative in the long run than a corporate salary.
The Reality Check on Celebrity Net Worth
We have to be real for a second. These "net worth" numbers you see online are always estimates. Unless Hoda invites us to look at her E*TRADE account, we’re basing this on public contracts, property records, and book sale data.
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But here is what we know for sure:
- She bought a nearly $3 million house in cash or with a massive down payment in 2024.
- She has at least seven books that have seen significant sales.
- She was the face of a billion-dollar news brand for nearly a decade.
If you’re looking to build "Hoda-level" wealth, the takeaway isn't just "get a job on TV." It’s about diversification. She never relied just on the anchor desk. She wrote. She spoke. She invested in her own name.
What’s Next for Hoda’s Empire?
Now that we're into 2026, the "Hoda 2.0" era is in full swing. She’s less of a "news anchor" and more of a "lifestyle mogul." Think Brené Brown meets Oprah.
Her shift toward wellness and intentional living with Joy 101 is likely where her next several million will come from. Wellness is a trillion-dollar industry, and Hoda has the trust of millions of women. That trust is the most expensive asset she owns.
If you’ve been following her journey, it’s clear she’s prioritizing her "personal net worth"—the time she spends with her girls—over the "financial net worth" of a grueling morning show schedule. It’s a bold move that many people in 2026 are starting to emulate.
What you can do now:
- Audit your own "joy" vs. "salary" ratio. Hoda walked away from $20 million for more time. What's your "walk away" number?
- Diversify your skills. If you're in a corporate job, start that "side" project—whether it's writing or consulting—to build a brand that exists outside of your employer.
- Invest in real estate. Notice how Hoda’s wealth is tied up in tangible assets like her Bronxville and Long Island properties. That’s a classic move for long-term stability.
- Check out her new book Jump and Find Joy. It’s basically a roadmap for anyone feeling stuck in a high-paying but soul-crushing routine.
Hoda Kotb is doing just fine. Whether the bank says $30 million or $35 million, she’s winning the game of life by her own rules.