Dr. Phil Net Worth

What is Dr. Phil McGraw's net worth and salary?

Dr. Phil McGraw is an American television personality, psychologist, author, and entrepreneur who has a net worth of $400 million. Every year, Dr. Phil earns $60 – $90 million from his various endeavors. McGraw owns 100% of his show content. He actually pays CBS to distribute the show in exchange for a generous cut of the advertising revenue and product placement. He also executive produces the syndicated show "The Doctors."

After earning a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas, he began his career working in private practice before co-founding Courtroom Sciences, Inc., a consulting firm that specialized in jury selection and trial strategy. It was through this company that he met Oprah Winfrey in the 1990s, helping her prepare for a high-profile defamation case. Impressed by his work, Oprah invited him to appear regularly on her show, where his direct, plainspoken advice style made him a fan favorite.

Capitalizing on that popularity, Dr. Phil launched his own syndicated daytime talk show, "Dr. Phil," in 2002. The show quickly became one of the most successful in television history, drawing millions of viewers with episodes tackling addiction, relationships, weight loss, and family conflict. McGraw's signature blend of tough love, common-sense guidance, and psychological insight made him both a cultural fixture and a frequent subject of debate, with some critics questioning his methods and ethics. Despite controversy, the show remained a ratings powerhouse for over two decades before ending in 2023 after more than 3,500 episodes.

Beyond television, Dr. Phil has built a substantial media and business empire. He has authored multiple bestselling self-help books, including "Life Strategies" and "The Ultimate Weight Solution," and launched spin-off series such as "The Doctors." He also co-founded the production company Stage 29 Productions with his son, Jay McGraw, and has ventured into podcasting and digital media.

Early Life

Phillip Calvin McGraw was born on September 1, 1950, in Vinita, Oklahoma. He spent his early years in the oil fields of North Texas, where his father worked as an equipment supplier. The family later relocated several times, eventually settling in Overland Park, Kansas, so his father could pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a psychologist. McGraw attended Shawnee Mission North High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, developing the discipline and competitiveness that would later define his career.

After high school, McGraw attended the University of Tulsa on a football scholarship, playing middle linebacker for the Golden Hurricane. During his time there, he was part of the infamous 1968 team that suffered a 100-6 loss to the University of Houston, one of the most lopsided games in college football history. Seeking a new environment, McGraw transferred to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1975. He went on to complete a master's degree in experimental psychology in 1976 and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1979 from the University of North Texas, where his doctoral dissertation focused on rheumatoid arthritis patients' perceptions of pain. After earning his doctorate, McGraw spent several years in private practice, honing his understanding of human behavior and performance.

CSI Courtroom Sciences

In 1990, McGraw co-founded Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (CSI), a legal consulting firm based in Texas that specialized in jury selection, witness preparation, and trial strategy for major corporations and high-profile cases. The company's work emphasized behavioral insight and communication strategy rather than traditional psychological treatment, marking a major shift in McGraw's career. After launching CSI, he stopped practicing clinical psychology, although he maintained his professional license until formally retiring it in 2006.

One of CSI's most notable clients was Oprah Winfrey, who hired the firm in 1995 to assist in her defense during a highly publicized libel lawsuit brought by Texas cattlemen after she made comments about mad cow disease on her show. Oprah's successful defense not only bolstered her reputation but also introduced her to McGraw's no-nonsense approach. Impressed by his expertise, she invited him to appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1998. His recurring segments—focused on relationships, self-improvement, and personal accountability—became a hit with viewers, transforming him into a national figure almost overnight.

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The Dr. Phil Show

Building on his success with Oprah, McGraw launched his own syndicated daytime talk show, "Dr. Phil," in 2002. Produced by Winfrey's Harpo Studios, the show quickly became a ratings powerhouse and cultural phenomenon. McGraw's direct, tough-love style resonated with millions of viewers seeking straightforward advice on relationships, parenting, addiction, and personal growth. Over its 21-season run, the show covered thousands of episodes and drew some of the largest daytime audiences in television.

McGraw's empire expanded beyond television. In 2003, he entered the weight-loss market with a line of supplements and meal-replacement products called "Shape It Up, Woo Woo." The products were heavily promoted on his show, but controversy soon followed. The Federal Trade Commission began investigating claims about their effectiveness, leading McGraw to pull the products from shelves in 2004. He later settled a class-action lawsuit for $10.5 million in 2006, though most of that amount was paid in the form of Amway vitamins. Despite the setback, "Dr. Phil" continued to dominate daytime television, earning multiple Emmy nominations and making McGraw one of the highest-paid TV personalities in the world. In 2023, after more than 3,500 episodes, McGraw announced that "The Dr. Phil Show" would end its run, marking the close of an era in daytime broadcasting.

Other Shows and Books

McGraw continued expanding his media footprint with several spin-offs and projects. In 2008, he and his son Jay McGraw co-created "The Doctors," a syndicated talk show hosted by medical professionals, including ER physician and former "Bachelor" contestant Dr. Travis Stork. The show, which offered practical medical advice and discussed controversial health issues, became one of daytime TV's most enduring health programs.

McGraw also served as an executive producer and co-creator of the CBS drama "Bull," which premiered in 2016 and starred Michael Weatherly as a trial consultant inspired by McGraw's own experience at Courtroom Sciences, Inc. In 2021, he debuted "House Calls with Dr. Phil" on CBS, traveling across the country to meet families in crisis and offer counseling in their homes.

In addition to his television career, McGraw has authored numerous bestselling books, including "Life Strategies," "Self Matters," "Family First," "Relationship Rescue," and "The 20/20 Diet." Many of these works emphasize self-awareness and accountability, echoing his on-screen philosophy. Since 2022, McGraw has also co-authored health and psychology columns with Dr. John Whyte for WebMD and USA Today, maintaining his status as one of America's most recognized voices in behavioral advice and self-help media.

Merit Street Bankruptcy

In 2025, Dr. Phil McGraw's ambitious media venture, Merit Street Media, collapsed into bankruptcy less than a year after its launch. The network, created in partnership with the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), was pitched as a $500 million, family-focused television channel anchored by "Dr. Phil Primetime." Despite early fanfare and distribution claims reaching 80 million homes, the venture quickly ran into financial trouble. Creditors accused McGraw of failing to deliver promised programming and mismanaging funds, while Professional Bull Riders (PBR) said it was owed $181 million in unpaid media-rights fees.

In July 2025, Merit Street filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but the filing quickly backfired. A federal judge found that McGraw had improperly attempted to control the bankruptcy process and favor certain creditors over others. Evidence revealed that he deleted key text messages and formed a new company, Envoy Media, just one day before the bankruptcy filing, appearing to set up a replacement network free of Merit Street's debts.

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Personal Life

Dr. Phil has been married twice. His first marriage was to Debbie Higgins McCall, a high school sweetheart whom he wed in 1970 when he was just 20 years old. The union was short-lived, and the couple's marriage was annulled three years later. During the process of ending that relationship, McGraw met Robin Jo Jameson, a young cheerleader and college student from Oklahoma. The two began dating, and after several years together, they married in 1976. Robin has since become a prominent author, philanthropist, and television personality in her own right, often appearing alongside her husband on "Dr. Phil."

The couple has two sons: Jay McGraw, born in 1979, who followed in his father's media footsteps as a writer, producer, and television executive, and Jordan McGraw, born in 1986, who became a musician and recording artist. Jay is married to former Playboy model and television personality Erica Dahm, while Jordan married Morgan Stewart, star of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills." Together, the McGraw family has remained one of the most visible and stable units in the entertainment world.

Outside of television, McGraw is an aviation enthusiast and a licensed private pilot with an instrument rating, allowing him to fly single-engine aircraft. He has also been active in philanthropy, founding the Dr. Phil Foundation in 2003. The organization focuses on fighting childhood obesity, supporting youth programs, and funding educational and community-based initiatives designed to improve family well-being.

Earnings

Over the course of his television career, Dr. Phil became one of the highest-paid personalities in the entertainment industry, rivaling the earnings of Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. His income stemmed not only from hosting "Dr. Phil" but also from owning a significant portion of the show's production, which gave him a share of syndication profits and advertising revenue.

At his peak, McGraw's annual salary reportedly reached $88 million. His earnings have fluctuated over the years but consistently remained among the top in television. In 2006, he earned $45 million, followed by $30 million in 2008. His income climbed again in the 2010s, with $80 million in 2011, $64 million in 2012, and $72 million in 2014. That same year, his reported income hit $77 million. In 2015, he earned $70 million, followed by $88 million in 2016 and $79 million in 2017. Between June 2018 and June 2019, McGraw brought in a staggering $95 million, and in 2020, he earned another $65.5 million. Across his career, his total earnings are estimated to exceed $600 million, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest figures in daytime television history.

Real Estate

Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw have long maintained an impressive real estate portfolio centered in Beverly Hills, California. In 2008, they purchased a Mediterranean-style estate for $7 million. The home, known for its sweeping city views and ornate design, was later listed for $16.5 million in 2010 and sold in 2011 for $12 million.

That same year, the couple made an even more significant acquisition, purchasing a 14,000-square-foot hillside mansion in Beverly Hills for $29.5 million. Situated on three acres, the property features five bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, a guesthouse, a swimming pool, and lush landscaped gardens. The residence is designed in a Mediterranean villa style with high ceilings, stone terraces, and expansive entertainment areas—befitting McGraw's celebrity lifestyle.

In 2011, the McGraws also listed another Beverly Hills property for $6.35 million. When it failed to sell, the home was re-listed in January 2020 for $5.75 million. The 6,200-square-foot residence gained media attention for its eccentric interior design, including a dining room lined with guns, a serpent-themed staircase railing, and bold, colorful finishes. The unique furnishings were offered as part of the sale, reflecting McGraw's eclectic taste and flair for the unconventional.

Through these acquisitions, the McGraws have established themselves as long-term fixtures in the Beverly Hills luxury real estate market, with homes that mirror both their wealth and distinctive personalities.

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