Here Are All The Late Night Talk Show Hosts Ranked From Richest To Poorest

Highlights

• Late-night talk show hosts have become influential figures in popular culture, with their shows and content becoming part of the cultural zeitgeist.
• The popularity of these shows has grown in recent years, thanks to viral clips and social media, allowing for wider reach and engagement with audiences.
• These hosts have achieved significant net worths through their successful careers, with figures like Jay Leno and David Letterman reaching millionaire status through their long-running tenure as late-night hosts.

Late-night talk shows are a staple of nighttime television programming and provide a platform for guests, artists, and comedians to engage with audiences on a wide range of topics. Topics where, on occasion, got very real.

These hosts have become household names, with their monologs and skits becoming part of the cultural zeitgeist. From Jimmy Fallon‘s playful games and musical numbers to Stephen Colbert’s biting political satire, each host brings their own style and personality to the late-night landscape.

The popularity of these shows has only grown in recent years, with the rise of viral clips and social media allowing for even wider reach and engagement with audiences. As a result, late-night talk show hosts have become influential figures in popular culture and have bank accounts to prove it.

Updated December 2023: Late-night television came to a standstill when the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strike was in effect. But, five of the hosts, Stephen Colbert, James Oliver, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel came together to launch their podcast, ‘Strike Force Five’. Any and all earnings went to their staff members who were suffering because of the strike. The decision to come back when the writers’ strike came to an end was based on the staff at the shows as well.

12 Jay Leno: The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

Net Worth: $450 Million

• Leno earned up to $30 million per season on The Tonight Show

Jay Leno has a massive net worth of $450 million, making him the current wealthiest late-night host in television history. Leno’s success can be attributed to his long-running tenure as the host of The Tonight Show, where he entertained audiences for over two decades. Known for his affable personality and sharp wit, Leno became a beloved figure in the late-night landscape.

Leno made over $320 million from his stint on The Tonight Show.

Further still, Leno has always believed in having two incomes. As such, he has always kept his stand-up comedy gigs, where, to this day, Leno does at least 100 per year. At this pace, Leno makes $10 million per year in comedy alone. As such, he has never touched his Tonight Show earnings.

However, his career hasn’t been without its controversies, particularly during the infamous “Late Night Wars,” when he briefly left The Tonight Show only to return a few years later. Despite the ups and downs, Leno’s impact on late-night television cannot be denied. He paved the way for future hosts and set a high standard for comedic talent and audience engagement.

11 David Letterman: The Late Show With David Letterman

Net Worth: $400 Million

• Letterman earned up to $30 million per season on The Late Show With David Letterman

David Letterman has a net worth of $400 million. The legendary television host and comedian gained fame for his late-night talk show, Late Night with David Letterman, which aired from 1982 to 1993 on NBC.

Following the success of his first show, Letterman went on to host The Late Show with David Letterman on CBS from 1993 to 2015, firmly establishing his place as one of the most influential figures in late-night television.

These days, Letterman hosts, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, which, according to Forbes, continues to earn Letterman $12 million per season.

10 Conan O’Brien: Late Night With Conan O’Brien And Conan

Net Worth: $200 Million

• O’Brien earned up to $15 million per season for Late Night With Conan O’Brien and $10 million for Conan

Conan O’Brien has a net worth of $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest comedians and late-night hosts in the industry. He rose to fame as the host of Late Night with Conan O’Brien (1993–2009) and briefly on The Tonight Show (2009–2010), showcasing his quick wit and comedic genius.

Despite a controversial departure from The Tonight Show, O’Brien bounced back with his own late-night talk show, Conan, on TBS, which has amassed a loyal fan base and substantial acclaim.

Beyond his television success, O’Brien has also ventured into producing and writing, further establishing himself as a versatile entertainer.

O’Brien signed a five-year, $150 million contract with Sirius XM for his Team Coco podcast.

9 Bill Maher: Real Time With Bill Maher

Net Worth: $140 Million

• Maher earns $10 million per season for Real Time With Bill Maher

Bill Maher has a net worth of $140 million. As the host of Real Time with Bill Maher, he has established himself as a provocative and controversial figure, unafraid to tackle contentious topics and challenge the status quo. Maher’s show combines interviews with high-profile guests, panel discussions, and monologs that offer his unique perspective on current events and political issues.

With his sharp intellect and quick wit, Maher has built a loyal following that appreciates his no-holds-barred approach to late-night television. Despite facing criticism and controversy throughout his career, Maher continues to push boundaries and engage in thought-provoking conversations that spark dialogue and debate. His fearlessness in addressing sensitive subjects has earned him both praise and backlash, but Maher remains committed to using his platform to shed light on important issues.

8 Trevor Noah: The Daily Show With Trevor Noah

Net Worth: $100 Million

• Noah earned up to $16 million per season of The Daily Show With Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah has a net worth of $100 million. He gained international recognition as the host of The Daily Show, where he brings a fresh and unique perspective to current events and political satire.

In addition to his successful hosting career, Noah has also authored a best-selling autobiography (Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood) and embarked on numerous stand-up comedy tours, solidifying his status as a multi-talented entertainer.

7 Stephen Colbert: The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Net Worth: $75 Million

• Colbert $15 million per season for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert has a net worth of $75 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Colbert is a well-known comedian, writer, and television host. Colbert gained popularity as the host of The Colbert Report, a satirical news show, before taking over as the host of The Late Show in 2015.

Colbert’s sharp intellect and political commentary have made him a favorite among viewers, and he has received numerous awards for his work in the industry. Colbert’s show has consistently ranked as one of the top late-night talk shows, and he continues to be a respected and influential figure in entertainment.

With Colbert’s contract only running through 2023, it is very possible that negotiations will make it so that the next contract Colbert signs will be for more than $16 million per year.

6 James Corden: The Late Late Show With James Corden

Net Worth: $70 Million

• Corden earned up to $9 million per season on The Late Late Show With James Corden

James Corden has a net worth of $70 million He first gained fame as an actor in the UK, starring in shows like Gavin & Stacey and Doctor Who. However, it was his move to the United States and his role as the host of The Late Late Show that truly catapulted him to international stardom.

Corden’s infectious personality and his unique segment “Carpool Karaoke” have made him a favorite among viewers of all ages. In addition to his hosting duties, Corden has also ventured into producing and acting, further expanding his already impressive career.

When Corden decided to walk away from The Late Late Show, he also walked away from a $50 million contract as well. This was because, not only was Corden facing backlash for rude behavior, he wanted to return to the UK to be closer to family.

5 Jimmy Fallon: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Net Worth: $60 Million

• Fallon earns $16 million per year for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon has a net worth of $60 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He is best known for his work as a comedian, actor, and television host.

Fallon began his career in comedy clubs before gaining recognition as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. His success on the show led to him being offered his own late-night talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, in 2014.

Some productions that Fallon worked on before or just after becoming a late-night host that helped him increase his net worth, according to IMDb include:

Fallon has become a household name and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

4 Jimmy Kimmel: Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Net Worth: $50 Million

• Kimmel earns $15 million per year for Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel has a net worth of $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Kimmel began his career in radio before transitioning to television. His late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been on the air since 2003. On the show, Kimmel is known for his comedic monologs and popular segments like “Mean Tweets” and “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets.”

Kimmel has become a household name in the entertainment industry. His show has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.

Outside of his late-night show, Kimmel has become the go-to guy for hosting award shows. Some of the awards shows Kimmel has hosted, per Celebrity Net Worth include:

Between his late-night duties and hosting awards shows, Kimmel is doing quite well for himself.

3 John Oliver: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

Net Worth: $50 Million

• Oliver earns $8 million for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

John Oliver has a net worth of $50 million. The British comedian and television host rose to prominence as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart before landing his own show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

Known for his biting commentary, Oliver tackles a range of political and social issues in his weekly show, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. His unique blend of humor and investigative journalism has made him a force in late-night television, and his show has won numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Talk Series.

Oliver has also become quite the voice actor over the years. According to IMDb, some of the projects that Oliver has worked on include:

While his late-night show is what brings in the major money for Oliver, his resume is becoming very impressive with the voice acting he is doing. A move that diversifies his career and increases his net worth as well.

2 Craig Ferguson: The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson

Net Worth: $30 Million

• Ferguson earned up to $8.5 million per season

Craig Ferguson has a net worth of $30 million, which he accumulated through his successful career in comedy and television.

Ferguson is best known for his role as the host of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, where he entertained audiences with his unique blend of humor and charm. His tenure on the show lasted for an impressive nine years, making him one of the longest-serving late-night talk show hosts in history.

Ferguson’s improvisational skills made him a favorite among viewers. In addition to his hosting duties, Ferguson also delved into other creative endeavors, such as writing books and acting in both television and film.

He published several memoirs that showcased his wit and storytelling abilities, earning Ferguson substantial praise.

Like Oliver, Ferguson has also used his voice talent for animated projects in the entertainment industry. According to IMDb, some of those projects include:

Between his late-night duties and his television and movie career, Ferguson is doing quite well for himself.

1 Seth Meyers: Late Night With Seth Meyers

Net Worth: $26 Million

• Meyers earns $5 million per season of Late Night With Seth Meyers

Seth Meyers may be at the bottom of this list, but he still makes a good amount of money. He has a net worth of $26 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Meyers began his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live, where he eventually became the head writer and a cast member. He gained recognition for his comedic skills and witty political commentary, which led to him hosting the iconic “Weekend Update” segment.

After leaving SNL, Meyers took over as the host of Late Night, where he continues to entertain audiences with his sharp humor and insightful interviews. Alongside his hosting duties, Meyers has also delved into producing and acting, showcasing his range and talent in various projects.

Source: Celebrity Net Worth, Forbes

Source: NewsFinale