You wake up, pour a coffee, and there she is. Savannah Guthrie has been a staple of the American morning routine since she stepped into the co-anchor role at Today back in 2012. She’s sharp, she’s a trained lawyer, and she’s guided us through everything from royal weddings to messy election cycles. But when the cameras cut to commercial, everyone starts wondering the same thing. How much does Savannah Guthrie make a year to keep that ship sailing smoothly every single morning?
The short answer is a lot. The long answer? It’s complicated, tied up in high-stakes network negotiations, and reflects a shifting landscape in how TV stars are paid in the 2020s.
The Eight-Figure Reality
If you're looking for a hard number, most industry insiders and financial trackers like Celebrity Net Worth pin her annual salary at approximately $8 million.
Honestly, that’s a massive chunk of change. If you break it down, she’s essentially earning about $150,000 every single week. But here is where it gets interesting: that number hasn't moved much in the last few years. While inflation hits our grocery bills, the "golden age" of the $25 million-a-year news anchor seems to have cooled off significantly.
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Comparing the NBC Pay Scale
To understand Guthrie’s value, you have to look at who came before her. Matt Lauer, her former co-host, was reportedly pulling in a staggering $20 million to $25 million a year before his 2017 exit. When Hoda Kotb stepped into that slot, the narrative changed. Reports surfaced that both Hoda and Savannah were making significantly less than Lauer did.
Why? Some call it a "gender pay gap" correction that went the wrong way. Others say it’s just the reality of cord-cutting. Networks aren’t as flush with cash as they were in 2015.
- Savannah Guthrie: ~$8 Million
- Hoda Kotb: ~$7-8 Million (Prior to her 2025 departure)
- Al Roker: ~$10 Million (A legacy contract that covers multiple roles)
- Craig Melvin: Estimated at $3-5 Million (Rising as he takes on more responsibility)
Where the Money Actually Comes From
It’s a mistake to think that $8 million is just for sitting on a sofa and chatting about TikTok trends. Guthrie is a workhorse. She is the Chief Legal Correspondent for NBC News. That’s a real job with real hours. When a Supreme Court ruling drops or a major trial concludes, she’s the one providing the legal analysis across all NBC platforms, not just Today.
She also hosts the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. These are "specials," and they usually come with their own appearance fees or are baked into a very lucrative "all-in" contract.
The Book Deals and Side Hustles
Savannah isn't just a talking head. She’s a New York Times bestselling author. Her 2024 book, Mostly What God Does, was a massive hit. Between her children’s books like Princesses Wear Pants and her faith-based memoirs, her royalties likely add a very comfortable six-figure cushion to her annual income.
Then there’s the "talent" factor. Being a high-profile NBC face means paid speaking engagements and hosting gigs that can command $50,000 to $100,000 for a single night’s work. When you add it all up, her total "take-home" in a good year likely pushes closer to $10 million when you factor in investments and external deals.
The Net Worth Factor
By 2026, experts estimate Savannah Guthrie's net worth is roughly $40 million.
She’s been at this a long time. She started at a local station in Missouri, went to law school at Georgetown, worked in white-collar criminal defense, and then climbed the ladder at Court TV before hitting the big leagues at NBC in 2007. That kind of longevity pays off. She has a beautiful home in upstate New York and a primary residence in Manhattan that alone are worth millions.
Why Her Salary Matters for the Future of TV
There is a lot of talk right now about the "Hoda Effect." With Hoda Kotb leaving the show in early 2025 and Craig Melvin stepping up, the budget for Today is being scrutinized. Savannah is now the "senior" anchor. In any other industry, that would mean a massive raise.
But the 2026 media environment is weird.
Streaming is winning. Ad revenue for linear TV is shrinking.
There’s a real possibility that when Guthrie’s next contract comes up, the network might try to hold steady rather than offer a bump. She has the leverage, though. If she left, the Today show’s stability would take a massive hit. NBC knows that, and they pay for the "insurance" of having a trusted, familiar face in the morning.
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Is she "Overpaid"?
You’ll see people on social media complaining about news anchors making millions. It’s a common trope. But consider this: Today generates hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising revenue for NBC. Savannah is essentially the "quarterback" of a billion-dollar franchise. If she helps keep the ratings even 1% higher than the competition, she’s worth her salary ten times over in the eyes of the executives.
Final Insights on the Guthrie Fortune
Basically, Savannah Guthrie has reached the pinnacle of broadcast journalism. While she might not be making the $25 million figures of the early 2000s, her $8 million salary, combined with her legal expertise and publishing success, makes her one of the most powerful women in media.
If you're looking to track her financial moves, keep an eye on her production credits. Many top-tier anchors are now moving into producing their own documentaries and specials, which is where the real "ownership" money lies. For now, she remains the gold standard for what a modern, multi-hyphenate news anchor can earn.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Compare Salaries: If you're interested in media economics, look into the salary gap between broadcast (NBC, ABC) and cable news (FOX, MSNBC), where hosts like Sean Hannity still command $40M+.
- Monitor Contract Cycles: Most major NBC talent contracts run in 3 to 5-year cycles; Guthrie's next major negotiation will likely set the tone for the entire morning news industry.
- Diversify Income: Take a page from Guthrie's book—literally. If you're in a high-profile field, look into publishing or specialized consulting (like her legal work) to protect yourself against industry-wide pay cuts.