Sean Hannity, Diane Sawyer, Anderson Cooper: These are the highest-paid US TV anchors

The Boston native first worked as an aide to New York senator Patrick Moynihan. He is an MSNBC landmark, as the news anchor for The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell. 

Lawrence O'Donnell has an estimated net worth of $16 million. As a news anchor for MSNBC, he is believed to earn $4 million annually.

The San Antonio native worked as a reporter before becoming a news anchor for CBS from 2011 to 2017. He also worked as a correspondent for the network's 60 Minutes, as well as holding the position of White House chief correspondent.

Scott Pelley is believed to make around $7 million every year at CBS. His net worth, which includes sales from his memoir, is estimated at $18 million.

The Maryland native began her career as a financial analyst for Goldman Sachs. She later hosted Squawk on the Street for CNBC, before moving on to Erin Burnett Outfront on CNN.

Thanks to her work as a news anchor, Erin Burnett makes approximately $6 million a year. Her estimated net worth is $20 million.

The Florida native began his career in politics as a congressman for his home state, before becoming the host of Morning Joe for MSNBC in 2007, which he still hosts to this day.

Joe Scarborough is married to his Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski. Together, the couple have an estimated net worth of $25 million. The news anchor is believed to earn $8 million each year at MSNBC.

Shepard Smith was the host of Fox News' Shepard Smith Reporting, and he worked as a managing news director for the network before leaving in 2019 to join CNBC. His show was later cancelled by CNBC in 2022. 

Before he left for CNBC, Shepard Smith made approximately $10 million each year. Today, his net worth is estimated at $30 million, enough to lead a peaceful retired life. 

The California native is a landmark of NBC. Lester Holt hosts three shows on the network: Weekday Nightly News, Nightly News Kids Edition, and Dateline NBC.

Lester Holt is believed to earn $10 million each year for his work at NBC. His estimated net worth is approximately $35 million.

The Fall River native began his career in politics, eventually working as an aide to President Clinton. He now works mostly for ABC, as co-host for Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight.

George Stephanopoulos's estimated net worth of $40 million is partly made up of his earnings as a best-selling author. His annual salary at ABC is estimated at $15 million.

In 2009, the California native made history as the first ever lesbian host of a major network news show, with The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. She is also the network's designated co-host for special events.

Rachel Maddow reportedly made $7 million each year working as a news anchor for MSNBC. However, according to The Street, she signed a new contract in 2021, earning her $30 million annually. Her estimated net worth is $45 million, for now.

The California native has become a Fox News household name over the years. He hosted Tucker Carlson Tonight until he was fired by the network in 2023. 

Before he was fired from Fox News, Tucker Carlson made $10 million each year. He also made about $10 million from the sales of his books. In 2024, he had an estimated net worth of $50 million. 

Maria Bartiromo first made a name for herself as a business and finance reporter for CNBC, before becoming the chief global business editor for Fox News, where she hosts Morning with Maria, as well as Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street. 

The Fox News anchor, along with her husband financier Jonathan Steinberg, has an estimated net worth of $50 to $70 million. Her annual salary at Fox News is said to be $10 million.

Anderson Cooper first worked as a news correspondent for ABC, before becoming the co-host of World News Tonight. He is also the long-term host of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360.

Anderson Cooper's estimated net worth is partly made up of the inheritance he received after his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, passed away in 2019. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune at $50 million, but other reports estimate it at $200 million. His annual salary as a TV presenter is estimated at $12 million.

Robin Roberts first worked for ESPN before joining ABC as a news anchor in 2005. Now, she is the co-host for the iconic morning show Good Morning America. She won four Emmy awards for her work. 

Robin Roberts, who frequently opens up about being a cancer survivor and working to help others, has an estimated net worth of $55 million. Her annual salary is estimated at $18 million. 

The New Jersey native first worked as a news reporter, then as a White House correspondent for Fox News, before becoming the host of the network's Special Report with Bret Baier.

In 2024, Bret Baier had an estimated net worth of $70 million. His annual salary at Fox News is said to be $20 million.

In 1984, Diane Sawyer became the first ever woman to be a correspondent for CBS' 60 Minutes. From 2009 until 2014, she was a news anchor for ABC. She now appears on news shows occasionally as a special contributor for ABC, hosting special programs and conducting interviews. 

The 79-year-old, who tragically lost her husband in 2014, has an estimated net worth of $80 million. Her annual salary is rumoured to be around $22 million to this day.

The New York City native began his career in the early 1980s. He has been a news anchor for Fox News since 1996, hosting Hannity and Colmes until 2009. Since then, he has been hosting his The Sean Hannity Show, where he interviews high-profile celebrities and politicians.

Sean Hannity is the highest-paid news anchor on Fox News, which makes him one of the richest news celebrities in the United States. He has an estimated net worth of $250 million, and his annual salary is estimated at $45 million.