You’ve probably seen the headlines or felt that little pang of sadness when she finally signed off. Hoda Kotb, the woman who basically pioneered the "glass half full" approach to morning TV, has officially entered her next chapter. But while everyone is talking about her emotional goodbye to Today, there is a lot of chatter about the money.
People want to know: did she leave because of a pay cut? How much did she actually pocket after decades at NBC?
Honestly, the numbers are wilder than you might think. When we talk about hoda kotb net worth, we aren't just looking at a salary. We are looking at a masterclass in career longevity, savvy real estate, and a literary side-hustle that rivals most full-time authors.
The $20 Million Question
For years, the internet "estimated" Hoda's salary was somewhere in the $8 million to $10 million range. That’s what happened when she first stepped into Matt Lauer's shoes back in 2018. She famously told People that she wasn't making "Matt Lauer money," and she seemed totally fine with that.
She wanted the job. The money was secondary.
But things changed. Reports from Puck News and other industry insiders suggest that by the time 2024 rolled around, Hoda was actually pulling in more than $20 million a year. That is a massive jump from her starting anchor pay. It turns out, being the most likable person on television is very, very profitable.
The Real Reason for the Exit?
There’s a bit of a "he-said, she-said" regarding her departure. Hoda says it was about her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. She wants to be the mom who does the school run, not the mom who wakes up at 3 a.m.
However, industry buzz suggests NBC was looking to trim the fat. The network reportedly told her agents that those "stratospheric" $20 million contracts just aren't sustainable anymore. Broadcast TV is shrinking. Ratings are down across the board.
When the network allegedly proposed a pay cut, Hoda chose her kids over a smaller check. Can you blame her?
Breaking Down Hoda Kotb Net Worth in 2026
If you look at the total tally, hoda kotb net worth is currently estimated at $30 million.
Wait. Only $30 million?
If she was making $20 million a year, shouldn't she be worth way more? It’s a fair question. You have to remember: Uncle Sam takes a massive bite out of those New York City paychecks. Between federal, state, and city taxes, she was likely seeing less than half of that gross total. Plus, she’s been incredibly generous with her platform and resources.
Here is where that $30 million actually comes from:
- The NBC Legacy: 26 years at the network. Before the anchor desk, she was a Dateline correspondent and the breakout star of the "wine at 10 a.m." hour with Kathie Lee Gifford.
- The Book Empire: Hoda isn't just a TV host; she’s a New York Times bestselling author. She has written seven books. We’re talking memoirs like Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee and children’s hits like I've Loved You Since Forever. Those royalties add up.
- SiriusXM: She hosted her own show on the satellite radio platform for seven years. That wasn't a volunteer gig.
- Real Estate: This is the "hidden" part of the wealth. In 2024, Hoda reportedly bought a $2.9 million home in Bronxville, New York. She also owns a beautiful property in the Hamptons. These aren't just places to sleep; they are appreciating assets.
The "Lauer Gap" and Why It Matters
We can't talk about Hoda's money without mentioning the guy she replaced. Matt Lauer was reportedly making $25 million a year when he was fired. When Hoda took over, she reportedly started at $7 million.
That is a $18 million gap.
It sparked a massive conversation about the gender pay gap in media. Hoda handled it with her usual grace, basically saying she was happy to have the seat. But by the end of her tenure, she had effectively closed that gap. She proved her value. She became the face of the brand.
In the end, she didn't just get the job; she got the bag.
Why Her Worth is More Than Cash
Hoda’s brand is "joy." That is incredibly hard to quantify, but it's why she can transition into almost anything. Whether she starts a massive podcast, signs a new production deal, or launches a lifestyle brand, her "net worth" is buoyed by public trust.
What’s Next for Hoda?
She isn't disappearing. She’s moving into an "unspecified role" at NBC, which likely means she’ll still show up for the Olympics or big specials. But the daily grind is over.
If you want to apply "Hoda-style" logic to your own life, here are some actionable takeaways from her financial journey:
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- Value the Work First: She took a "lower" salary to get the anchor chair. Once she proved she was indispensable, the $20 million salary followed.
- Diversify Your Identity: She didn't just rely on her NBC contract. She wrote books and did radio. If the TV world crashed, she had other pillars.
- Know When to Fold 'Em: At 60, she realized that more money wasn't worth more missed breakfasts with her kids. That’s the ultimate financial freedom—the ability to walk away from $20 million.
If you’re tracking the hoda kotb net worth because you’re a fan, rest easy. She’s doing just fine. She’s traded the 3 a.m. alarm clock for a $30 million cushion and more time with her family.
That sounds like a win to me.
To keep your own finances as organized as a network news desk, start by auditing your "passive" income streams this month. Like Hoda’s book royalties, small recurring wins are what build long-term wealth when the big salary goes away.