Hoda Kotb Net Worth

What is Hoda Kotb's Net Worth and Salary?

Hoda Kotb is an Egyptian-American TV news anchor and host who has a net worth of $60 million. Her salary for hosting "Today" is $20 million per year.

Over a career that spans local news, network journalism, and daytime television, Kotb built a reputation for warmth, relatability, and emotional storytelling. After more than two decades at NBC News, she became one of the most recognizable faces in morning television, first as co-host of the fourth hour of "Today" alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and later as co-anchor of the flagship broadcast. Her tenure marked a historic moment as she became part of the first all-female anchor team in the program's history. In September 2024, Hoda announced she would step down from "Today" at some point in 2025.

In addition to her broadcasting work, Kotb is a bestselling author whose memoirs and inspirational books have resonated with a wide audience. Her openness about personal challenges, including her battle with cancer and her journey to motherhood through adoption, helped shape her public persona as one of television's most trusted and beloved figures. She has won multiple awards, including Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for her journalism work.

Salary

When Hoda began her "Today" co-anchoring tenure in 2018, she was earning a salary of $8 million. By 2022, her expanded role—hosting both the main news hours and the 10:00 AM 'Hoda & Jenna' hour—pushed her total compensation to over $20 million per year. This 'stratospheric' figure became a point of contention in late 2024 when NBC reportedly sought to reduce her pay, ultimately leading to her decision to leave the show in early 2025.

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Early Life & Education

Hoda Kotb was born on August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Egyptian parents who had immigrated to the United States. She spent part of her childhood living in West Virginia and Virginia, as well as time in Egypt, before settling in the Washington, D.C., area.

Kotb attended Virginia Tech, graduating in 1986 with a degree in broadcast journalism. While in college, she was active in campus organizations and developed an early interest in television news. Her first jobs after graduation were in local news markets, where she worked as a reporter and anchor in cities including Greenville, Mississippi; Moline, Illinois; and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Local News and NBC Career

Kotb steadily climbed the broadcast ranks through the 1990s. In New Orleans, she became a well-known local anchor at WWL-TV, earning recognition for her reporting and community presence.

In 1998, she joined NBC News as a correspondent for "Dateline NBC." Over the next decade, she reported on a wide range of national and international stories, building credibility as a serious journalist. Her reporting assignments took her across the country and around the world, and she became known for her human-centered storytelling style.

"Today" and Morning Show Stardom

Kotb's career took a transformative turn in 2007 when she was named co-host of the fourth hour of "Today" alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. The segment adopted a lighter, more conversational tone that focused on pop culture, lifestyle topics, and personal stories. The chemistry between Kotb and Gifford became a defining feature of the hour, turning it into a ratings success and expanding Kotb's profile beyond hard news.

In January 2018, Kotb was named co-anchor of "Today," joining Savannah Guthrie at the main anchor desk. The appointment followed a major transition within the program and marked the first time the show's two primary anchors were women. Under Kotb and Guthrie's leadership, the broadcast maintained strong ratings and navigated breaking news, political coverage, and major cultural events.

Kotb became known for her emotional authenticity, often openly expressing empathy during interviews and sharing personal reflections on air. Her style contrasted with the traditional stoicism associated with network news anchors, helping redefine the tone of modern morning television.

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Health Journey and Public Advocacy

In 2007, Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, later chronicling her experience in her memoir "Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee." Her decision to speak candidly about her diagnosis and recovery inspired many viewers and strengthened her connection with the audience.

She has since been an advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection, frequently participating in related campaigns and charitable efforts.

Author and Entrepreneurial Work

In addition to her television career, Kotb has authored several bestselling books, including memoirs and inspirational titles such as "Where We Belong" and "This Just Speaks to Me." Her writing often centers on resilience, gratitude, and finding purpose after setbacks.

Kotb has also expanded into podcasting and digital media, launching projects connected to the "Today" brand as well as independent ventures focused on personal growth and storytelling.

Personal Life

Kotb's personal life has been widely covered due to her openness about her path to motherhood. In 2017, she adopted her first daughter, Haley Joy, and later adopted a second daughter, Hope Catherine. She has spoken about the fulfillment she found in becoming a mother later in life.

She was previously engaged to financier Joel Schiffman, with whom she shares her daughters. Though the couple later separated, they have remained committed to co-parenting.

Real Estate

Hoda Kotb and her family live in an Upper Manhattan apartment, which makes it easy for her to commute to NBC's studio each workday. In 2018, Kotb purchased an additional home in the Point Lookout hamlet of New York. The $2 million waterfront home features a private swimming dock.

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