Steve Doocy Salary vs Other Fox Hosts: Who Earns More in 2025?
Steve Doocy earns $4 million per year at Fox News as of 2025. The veteran television host has spent nearly three decades building his career at the network since joining in 1996, becoming a fixture on "Fox & Friends" when it launched February 1, 1998.
His financial portfolio tells a story of steady growth. Current estimates place Doocy's net worth between $11 million and $14 million, with some projections suggesting it could reach $20 million by year's end.
That puts him solidly among Fox News' higher-paid personalities—but where exactly does he rank against his colleagues?The numbers reveal just how much premium television talent commands.
While the average hourly pay for similar positions nationwide sits around $20.46, Doocy and his peers operate in an entirely different financial stratosphere. His $4 million annual compensation reflects the unique economics of cable news, where established hosts with proven track records can build substantial wealth over time.
What drives these salary differences among Fox News personalities? The answer involves more than just screen time and ratings. Location, show format, prime-time positioning, and individual contract negotiations all play crucial roles in determining who earns what at America's most-watched cable news network.
Steve Doocy salary 2025: The numbers revealed
Steve Doocy commands a $4 million annual salary at Fox News in 2025. That figure represents nearly three decades of consistent value delivery to the network, where he's been a morning television staple since 1996.
What is Steve Doocy salary on Fox News?
Fox News pays Doocy $4 million per year—a substantial sum that places him among the network's higher earners, though well below the elite tier occupied by prime-time personalities like Sean Hannity.
The compensation reflects what the network views as appropriate for a host with his tenure and audience loyalty.But Doocy's 2025 situation has shifted. He stepped back from full-time duties on "Fox & Friends," now contributing to the show from Florida with a focus on special features and projects.
This part-time arrangement has adjusted his compensation structure, though Fox hasn't disclosed the exact financial impact.His income extends beyond the base salary. Doocy supplements his Fox News earnings through successful book sales, particularly a series of bestselling cookbooks and lifestyle titles co-written with his wife, Kathy Gerrity.
These publishing ventures have become a significant revenue stream that complements his television work.
Steve Doocy yearly salary vs past years
Doocy's compensation has shown remarkable stability throughout his Fox News tenure. Multiple sources confirm his $4 million annual pay represents what he earned during his "peak years" at the network. This consistency speaks to his sustained value as a Fox News personality.
Unlike colleagues who've seen dramatic salary increases over time, Doocy's compensation has plateaued. The plateau reflects his established position within the network's hierarchy—valuable enough to command millions but not positioned in prime-time slots that generate the highest ratings and corresponding pay.
The trajectory breaks down like this:
- Co-hosting "Fox & Friends" consistently generated his $4 million salary
- His nearly three-decade presence helped maintain this compensation level
- 2025 marks his transition to part-time status with corresponding pay structure adjustments
How his salary compares to national averages
Doocy's $4 million annual compensation dwarfs what most television personalities and news anchors earn nationally. The breakdown reveals the scale:
- Monthly earnings: approximately $333,333—more than many Americans earn in several years
- Weekly pay: roughly $76,923
- Daily rate (assuming a 5-day work week): exceeds $15,384
- Hourly compensation (for a typical 3-hour morning show): over $5,000 per hour
These numbers reflect the premium placed on established television personalities at major networks. Doocy's decades-long presence, combined with his publishing success, has built substantial wealth—resulting in an estimated net worth of $11 million as of 2025.
Despite his reduced schedule, Doocy remains among cable news' more financially successful personalities. His career demonstrates how longevity at a single network can build substantial wealth, even without occupying the absolute top tier of on-air talent compensation.
Top 5 highest-paid Fox News hosts in 2025
The compensation structure at Fox News reveals a clear hierarchy among its talent, with substantial gaps between the network's elite earners and their colleagues. Steve Doocy's $4 million salary places him fifth in this exclusive ranking—impressive by industry standards, yet dwarfed by the network's top performers.
1. Sean Hannity
Sean Hannity dominates Fox News' salary landscape with an extraordinary $45 million annual income. This figure positions him not just as the network's highest earner, but among television news' wealthiest personalities overall.
His Fox News contract accounts for approximately $25 million, while his nationally syndicated radio program and other ventures contribute the remainder.The scope of Hannity's financial success extends far beyond his salary.
His estimated net worth ranges between $250-300 million, built through nearly three decades at Fox (since 1996), strategic primetime positioning, and lucrative publishing deals.
His 2020 book "Live Free Or Die: America (and the World) on the Brink" reportedly commanded a multimillion-dollar advance.
2. Tucker Carlson
Tucker Carlson's departure from Fox News in 2023 marked the end of an era for the network's second-highest earner. Salary reports varied widely during his tenure, ranging from $6-10 million to as high as $35 million annually.
Most reliable sources place his compensation between $15-20 million per year.His show "Tucker Carlson Tonight" commanded the coveted 8 p.m. ET slot and ranked as cable's second most-watched program in 2022, averaging 3.3 million nightly viewers.
Post-Fox, Carlson shifted to direct-to-consumer content and subscriber-based platforms.
3. Laura Ingraham
Laura Ingraham commands a substantial $15 million annual salary as host of "The Ingraham Angle" since October 2017. This compensation places her firmly in Fox News' upper echelon, significantly outearning many colleagues and, according to some reports, exceeding what Tucker Carlson earned during his network tenure.
Her estimated $40 million net worth reflects diverse revenue streams spanning television hosting, radio, and bestselling books. Ingraham joined Fox as a contributor in 2007 before securing her own primetime program.
4. Bret Baier
Bret Baier earns $20 million annually as Fox News' chief political anchor and host of "Special Report with Bret Baier." This impressive compensation reflects his critical role within the network's news division and cements his position in the top tier of Fox talent.
His estimated $70 million net worth ranks among the network's wealthiest personalities. Baier's financial success stems from his 1998 start at Fox and his evolution into the network's chief political correspondent—a role that commands premium compensation.
5. Steve Doocy
Steve Doocy's $4 million annual salary completes the top five, though it represents less than 10% of Sean Hannity's earnings. His compensation remains substantial by industry standards, supported by an estimated net worth between $11-14 million.
Nearly three decades at Fox News and his role anchoring "Fox & Friends" since 1996 have built this impressive financial foundation.The salary structure reveals a clear pattern: primetime hosts command significantly higher compensation than their morning and daytime counterparts.
Yet even at the lower end of this elite group, the earnings far exceed typical journalism salaries nationwide.
Salary breakdown by host: Who earns what?
The numbers tell a stark story about Fox News' compensation philosophy. Sean Hannity commands $45 million annually while Dana Perino earns $1 million—creating a 45:1 ratio that reveals how the network values different types of talent.
Steve Doocy's $4 million salary sits in the middle of this vast range, but the monthly breakdown shows just how dramatic these gaps become over time.
Annual and monthly pay comparisons
Monthly earnings at Fox News reveal the true scale of these disparities:
- Sean Hannity: $3.75 million monthly
- Bret Baier: $1.67 million monthly
- Laura Ingraham: $1.25 million monthly
- Neil Cavuto: $583,333 monthly
- Greg Gutfeld: $583,333 monthly
- Jesse Watters: $416,667 monthly
- Steve Doocy: $333,333 monthly
Prime-time positioning drives these differences. Hosts who command evening audiences typically earn multiples of their morning and daytime counterparts, even when the latter maintain longer tenures at the network.
Mid-tier personalities like Bill Hemmer, Shannon Bream, and Judge Jeanine Pirro each pull in around $3 million annually. That places them well above industry standards yet still significantly below the network's elite tier.
Hourly wage estimates
Break down these salaries by hour, and the numbers become staggering. The average Fox News contributor earns $26.54 per hour, but star hosts operate in an entirely different universe:
- Sean Hannity: $22,500 per hour
- Laura Ingraham: $7,500 per hour
- Neil Cavuto: $3,500 per hour
- Steve Doocy: $2,000 per hour
Standard Fox News reporters earn between $27 and $49 per hour, with a median of $36. That means Doocy earns roughly 55 times what typical reporters make—a premium that reflects the unique economics of television personality versus journalism.
Bonuses, book deals, and side income
Base salaries only tell part of the story. Fox News personalities build wealth through multiple revenue streams that often exceed their television paychecks.Book deals represent particularly lucrative opportunities.
Pete Hegseth received advances of $348,000 and $150,000 for his titles, plus royalties between $100,001 and $1 million per book. Sean Hannity has authored multiple politically-themed books, while the network established Fox News Books to capitalize on its personalities' marketability.
Nearly 44% of Americans maintain side gigs, and Fox News hosts are no exception. Additional income sources include:
- Paid speaking engagements
- Contributor contracts (typically $500 per appearance)
- Radio programs (Hannity's radio show significantly boosts his earnings)
- Freelance writing opportunities
For hosts like Doocy, these supplementary streams explain how net worth often exceeds what television salaries alone would generate.
His cookbook ventures with wife Kathy Gerrity have become a significant revenue source, demonstrating how established hosts can monetize their personal brands beyond their Fox News contracts.
Geographic and market factors in salary differences
Market economics shape Fox News compensation in ways that extend far beyond on-screen performance. Geography creates a tiered system where identical roles command different salaries based on location—a reality that directly impacts how Steve Doocy's $4 million compensation stacks up across the network's operations.
Top-paying cities for Fox News talent
New York anchors Fox News' salary structure, with employees averaging $65,677 annually. This premium reflects the city's role as both media capital and the network's primary hub.
Rocky Hill, Connecticut follows at $63,873 per year, establishing a clear geographic hierarchy for non-celebrity talent.
The network maintains significant operations across key markets:
- Washington, DC
- Los Angeles, California
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Austin, Texas
- Houston, Texas
Doocy's recent move to Florida for his part-time arrangement represents more than lifestyle preference. The relocation potentially restructures his compensation package, as Fox typically calibrates salaries against regional market conditions—a strategic consideration that affects bottom-line earnings.
Cost of living vs salary
Fox News applies sophisticated geographic adjustments that reflect local market realities. Washington state contributors see salary variations up to 4% between cities, with Freeland commanding $64,430 compared to Federal Way's $61,647. These differentials scale proportionally for high-profile hosts, though at substantially higher baseline figures.
Housing costs, tax rates, and living expenses factor into every compensation package. The network treats geographic positioning as a strategic variable, not merely a logistical detail. Entry-level positions buck this trend—multimedia reporters receive standardized pay of $75,000-$80,000 "regardless of the location you are selected for".
This consistency at lower levels contrasts sharply with the location-based premiums applied to established talent.
Location-based contract perks
Compensation packages extend beyond base salaries into location-dependent benefits. High-cost markets like New York and Washington DC command housing allowances and transportation subsidies unavailable elsewhere.
These perks can represent significant additional value, particularly for talent operating in premium markets.Fox News job postings explicitly acknowledge this reality, noting final offers depend on "education, skills, experience, and location".
Two hosts with identical responsibilities might receive vastly different total packages based solely on where they broadcast—a system that rewards strategic market positioning alongside on-air performance.
These geographic considerations illuminate why salary comparisons require market context. Doocy's $4 million compensation reflects not just his tenure and role, but his strategic positioning within Fox News' geographic compensation matrix.
What sets Steve Doocy apart financially?
Doocy's financial strategy reads like a masterclass in career longevity. While many television personalities chase the highest possible salary, he's played a different game entirely.
His recent pivot tells the story best.
After nearly three decades at Fox News, Doocy negotiated what he calls the "Johnny Carson show deal"—scaling back to three days per week without walking away entirely. It's a calculated move that most hosts wouldn't dare attempt, but Doocy's established value gave him the leverage to prioritize family time while protecting his income stream.
The diversification strategy separates him from his peers. Most Fox News personalities rely heavily on their network contracts, but Doocy built four distinct revenue channels: television hosting, book sales, endorsements, and media appearances.
When his co-authored "Happy in a Hurry Cookbook" hit #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list during the COVID pandemic, it proved his publishing instincts were as sharp as his broadcasting skills.
His financial trajectory shows the power of patient wealth building. Starting around $9 million, his net worth has grown to $14 million—steady growth that reflects smart decisions rather than flashy moves.
The Florida relocation adds another layer to his strategy. Beyond lifestyle benefits, the move eliminates state income tax entirely, effectively boosting his take-home pay without negotiating a single contract clause.
Few television personalities have cracked this formula: balancing steady network income with entrepreneurial ventures that create lasting value. Doocy's approach prioritizes sustainability over maximum earnings—a choice that's paying dividends as he enters his fourth decade in television.
FAQs
Q1. What is Steve Doocy's current salary at Fox News?
Steve Doocy's annual salary at Fox News is $4 million as of 2025. This figure has remained relatively stable over the years, reflecting his long-standing value to the network.
Q2. How does Steve Doocy's salary compare to other Fox News hosts?
While Steve Doocy's $4 million salary is substantial, it places him fifth among the highest-paid Fox News hosts. Top earners like Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham command significantly higher salaries, ranging from $15 million to $45 million annually.
Q3. Has Steve Doocy's role at Fox News changed recently?
Yes, Steve Doocy has transitioned to a part-time role, working a three-day week and contributing to "Fox & Friends" from Florida. This change allows him more family time while maintaining a significant presence on the network.
Q4. What factors contribute to the salary differences among Fox News hosts?
Salary differences among Fox News hosts are influenced by factors such as primetime slots, ratings, longevity at the network, and geographic location. Hosts of popular primetime shows typically earn more than their morning or daytime counterparts.
Q5. How has Steve Doocy diversified his income beyond his Fox News salary?
Steve Doocy has diversified his income through successful book sales, particularly cookbooks co-authored with his wife, as well as endorsements and media appearances. This strategy has contributed to his estimated net worth of $11-14 million.