Howie Mandel has been sitting at that judging table for so long it’s kind of hard to remember America’s Got Talent without him. Since he joined the panel back in 2010—stepping into the seat vacated by David Hasselhoff—he’s become the show’s longest-running judge. He's the guy who brings the dad jokes, the extreme OCD-fueled fist bumps, and a genuine love for stand-up comedy. But let’s be real: you don’t stick around a high-pressure reality TV gig for over 15 seasons just because you like watching people swallow swords or dance in LED suits. You do it because the paycheck is massive.
So, how much does Howie Mandel make on America's Got Talent in 2026?
If you’re looking for a quick number, most industry insiders and financial reports peg his salary at $70,000 per episode. When you do the math on a standard 24-episode season, that’s a cool $1.68 million annually just for his time on the main NBC show.
Breaking Down the $70,000-Per-Episode Reality
Now, $70,000 might sound like a lot of money to us mere mortals, but in the world of primetime TV judges, it’s actually a bit of a nuanced figure. See, Howie isn't the highest-paid person on that panel. Not even close. Sofía Vergara reportedly pulls in significantly more—some estimates put her at $10 million per season—and Simon Cowell is in a league of his own because he actually owns the show.
Howie’s deal is a testament to longevity rather than a "peak fame" spike. He’s been there through the Howard Stern era, the Sharon Osbourne years, and the revolving door of Spice Girls and supermodels.
🔗 Read more: Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus Explained (Simply)
Why the salary stays steady
Why doesn't he make $20 million? Honestly, it’s about the market. Howie is a "safe" bet for NBC. He’s reliable, the audience loves him, and he knows the format better than anyone. But unlike a massive movie star who might demand $500k an episode, Howie has built a "portfolio" career. He isn't just relying on that one check.
The how much does Howie Mandel make on America's Got Talent question gets even more interesting when you realize he’s also judging Canada’s Got Talent. While those Canadian dollars don't always convert 1:1 to the US market rates, he’s essentially double-dipping into the same franchise across two different countries.
Beyond the Judge’s Chair: The Mandel Empire
If you think Howie is "only" worth the $1.7 million he gets from AGT, you’re missing the bigger picture. His net worth is currently estimated to be around **$60 million**. That money didn't just come from hitting a buzzer.
- Deal or No Deal: This was the show that truly revitalized his career in the mid-2000s. While his exact salary for the original run was kept quiet, it was a massive hit. He’s still involved in the brand, including executive producing the spin-off Deal or No Deal Island.
- The Podcast Game: He hosts Howie Mandel Does Stuff with his daughter, Jackelyn Shultz. Podcasts are notoriously lucrative once they hit a certain scale, and Howie’s weird, prank-call-heavy format has a dedicated following.
- Production and Syndication: He owns Alevy Productions. They’ve produced everything from Howie Do It to various hidden-camera shows. When you own the content, you get the "mailbox money" that keeps coming in years after the cameras stop rolling.
- Real Estate: Howie is a bit of a low-key real estate mogul. He’s bought and sold multi-million dollar properties in Hidden Hills, Calabasas, and Santa Monica. In 2020, he sold a Hidden Hills ranch for $9.5 million. That’s a lot of AGT episodes.
Is He Underpaid Compared to Other Judges?
It depends on who you ask. If you compare him to Katy Perry’s $25 million American Idol contract, then yeah, Howie looks like he's working for pennies. But America's Got Talent operates on a different budget model.
💡 You might also like: Big Brother 27 Morgan: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The show is a summer staple. It doesn't necessarily need the "A-List-Musician-of-the-Moment" to succeed. It needs chemistry. Howie provides that. He’s the bridge between the "mean" judge (Simon) and the "glamorous" judges (Heidi and Sofía).
Also, we have to talk about the "Simon Factor." Since Simon Cowell’s company, Syco, produces the show, he holds the purse strings. Simon is notoriously business-savvy. He knows Howie loves the job. And in Hollywood, if they know you love the job and aren't going anywhere, the raises aren't usually astronomical.
What’s Next for Howie in 2026?
As of January 2026, Howie is busier than ever. He’s currently hosting a comedy showcase at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood to find new talent for America’s Got Talent Season 21. He’s also expanding his reach into the gaming world with the "Global Gaming League," where he owns a team called "Howie Do It."
There was some chatter about whether he’d return for the next season of AGT, especially with his new gig hosting The Price Is Right Tonight in Canada. But honestly? AGT is his home base. He’s already confirmed to be part of the 2026 judging panel alongside Simon, Heidi, and Sofía.
📖 Related: The Lil Wayne Tracklist for Tha Carter 3: What Most People Get Wrong
The Verdict on the AGT Paycheck
The reality is that how much does Howie Mandel make on America's Got Talent is a figure that has likely reached a "plateau of stability." At 70 years old, Howie isn't looking to reinvent the wheel. He has a gig that requires him to show up, be funny, and watch talented people perform for a few weeks a year.
It’s the ultimate "work-life balance" for a multi-millionaire.
If you're looking to track the exact fluctuations of celebrity wealth, keep an eye on his production credits. That’s where the real wealth is built in 2026—not just in the salary per episode, but in the ownership of the airwaves.
To get a better sense of where Howie's career is headed this year, you can check out his latest podcast episodes or follow the updates for the AGT Comedy Showcase. His ability to pivot from 1980s drama star (St. Elsewhere) to voice actor (Gizmo in Gremlins) to the king of reality TV is a blueprint for any entertainer looking for a career that lasts half a century.