Ever watch a show and think, "I know that guy from somewhere"? If you’ve spent any time on CBS over the last decade, that guy is probably Jon Michael Hill. Most people know him as the dependable, sharp-as-a-tack Detective Marcus Bell from Elementary. He was the guy who had to keep a straight face while Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock Holmes did something insane.
But here is the thing about Jon Michael Hill net worth discussions: they usually miss the mark by focusing only on those 150-plus episodes of television. Sure, the TV money is great. It’s "buy a nice house and never worry about groceries" money. But Hill isn’t just a TV actor. He’s a Tony-nominated powerhouse, a Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member, and a guy who has quietly built a career that balances prestige with a very healthy bank account.
Honestly, tracking the wealth of a guy like Hill is a bit like a detective case itself. You won’t find him flaunting gold chains on Instagram or buying private islands. He’s a Waukegan, Illinois native who seems to care more about the craft than the clout.
The Elementary Effect: Where the Real Money Lives
Let’s talk numbers. Elementary ran for seven seasons. That is a massive win in the world of broadcast television. For an actor like Jon Michael Hill, being a series regular on a long-running procedural is basically the "Golden Ticket."
While exact per-episode salaries for supporting regulars on CBS aren't always public, industry standards for a veteran actor on a hit show usually start in the $30,000 to $60,000 range per episode in early seasons. By the time you hit Season 7? Those numbers often climb significantly.
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Do the math. 154 episodes. Even at a conservative average, we are talking several million dollars in gross earnings just from his time at the NYPD’s 11th Precinct. Then you’ve got residuals. Every time you see Detective Bell on a rerun while you’re folding laundry, Jon Michael Hill gets a check. It might not be a huge check every time, but those "mailbox money" moments add up over a decade.
Why Jon Michael Hill Net Worth Isn't Just a TV Number
If you only look at his IMDb, you’re missing half the story. Hill is a titan in the theater world. He’s been a member of Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre Company since he was practically a kid.
The Steppenwolf Connection
Being part of an ensemble like Steppenwolf isn't just about the paycheck. It's about staying power. ProPublica filings for non-profits often show that even trustees and ensemble members get modest compensation for their time, but the real value is the prestige. It leads to Broadway.
Broadway and the Tony Bump
In 2010, he was nominated for a Tony for Superior Donuts. More recently, in 2025, he garnered massive acclaim—and another Tony nomination—for his role as Naz in Purpose. Broadway leads don’t make Marvel movie money, but they do very well, often earning $5,000 to $10,000 per week, plus bonuses if the show is a hit.
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The Netflix Factor
Recently, Hill starred as Conrad Hensley in the Netflix drama A Man in Full. Streaming deals are different than network TV. Usually, you get a larger upfront fee because there are no traditional residuals. Starring alongside Jeff Daniels in a high-profile limited series likely added a significant six-figure sum to his total value.
Comparing the "Two Jons"
There is a lot of confusion online because of a certain other actor named Jonah Hill. Let’s set the record straight: Jon Michael Hill is not the guy from Superbad.
- Jonah Hill: Net worth is estimated around $80 million. He’s a movie star and producer.
- Jon Michael Hill: His net worth is more modest but still impressive, estimated by various industry insiders to be in the $2 million to $5 million range as of 2026.
That might seem "small" compared to a Hollywood A-lister, but for a working actor who splits his time between gritty theater and prestige TV? It’s a massive success story.
The Lifestyle and Assets
Hill doesn't live like a flashy celebrity. He showed up at the 2025 Met Gala looking incredibly sharp, but he’s generally low-key. He’s a "working actor's actor." Most of his wealth is likely tied up in real estate in New York or Chicago and smart, long-term investments. He’s the kind of guy who can choose his projects based on the script, not the debt.
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What’s Next for His Earnings?
His career trajectory is currently pointing straight up. With the success of Purpose on Broadway and his standout performance in A Man in Full, he’s moved from "the guy on that cop show" to a serious dramatic lead.
What does that mean for his wallet?
- Higher per-episode rates: His "quote" for new TV projects has likely doubled.
- Leading roles: He's no longer just the partner; he's the guy the show is built around.
- Voice work and Narrations: His distinctive voice is a goldmine for commercials and audiobooks, which are high-pay, low-time-commitment gigs.
Jon Michael Hill net worth is a reflection of a slow-burn career. He didn't chase a viral moment. He stayed in the room, did the work, and became indispensable.
How to Value a Career Like Hill’s
If you're looking to build wealth or a career like this, the lesson is consistency. Hill’s value comes from being "the reliable guy." Producers know he won't cause drama, he'll know his lines, and he'll give a 10/10 performance. That reliability is why he’s worked almost non-stop since 2010.
To truly understand his financial standing, you have to look past the flashy headlines. You look at the longevity. Seven years on a hit show is the industry equivalent of a tenured professor with a side hustle that pays better than the main job. He’s doing just fine.
Next Steps for Fans and Investors:
- Watch his range: Check out A Man in Full on Netflix to see why his market value just spiked.
- Support the Stage: If you’re in Chicago, keep an eye on Steppenwolf’s schedule; seeing him live is the best way to understand his "value."
- Ignore the "Net Worth" Sites: Most "celeb wealth" websites use bots to guess numbers. Focus on his actual credits—the 154 episodes of Elementary are the most factual evidence of his multi-million dollar status.