Carley Shimkus Fox News Salary Revealed: From Modeling to Morning Headlines
Carley Shimkus earns between $70,000 and $150,000 yearly at Fox News. Different sources paint varying pictures of her compensation. Some reports put her annual earnings at $80,287 (roughly $38.60 per hour or $6,690 monthly).
Others suggest her role as co-host, news anchor, and headline reporter brings in $96,000 to $150,000. These figures stand well above Glassdoor's median salary report of $68,263 for FOX News anchors and reporters.
Shimkus's net worth now stands between $1 million and $2 million as of 2025. Her journey started as a model before she became a prominent co-host of Fox & Friends First. This piece delves into her Fox News salary, professional growth, various income streams, and personal life details that shaped her soaring win in broadcast journalism.
Carley Shimkus Salary at Fox News: What We Know
Fox News keeps its talent's pay under wraps, but several reliable sources estimate Carley Shimkus's earnings. ZipRecruiter and Market Realist put her yearly salary at $80,287. This breaks down to $38.60 per hour, $1,543 weekly, or $6,690 monthly.
Reported salary range and sources
Media outlets paint different pictures of Shimkus's compensation. Basic estimates align her earnings with typical Fox News anchors at $80,000 per year. Some industry experts suggest she could earn between $200,000 and $400,000 annually, though these numbers come from less credible sources.
Glassdoor data shows Fox News anchors usually earn between $56,000 and $105,000 yearly, with $75,000 as the base salary. The network's top 25% of anchors earn about $118,142 annually. This suggests well-known personalities like Shimkus earn toward the higher end of the scale.
How her role affects her earnings
Her position as co-host of "Fox & Friends First" and newsreader on "Fox & Friends" shapes her pay package. A promotion to these roles in November 2021 likely boosted her salary substantially from previous positions.
She appears regularly on shows like "Gutfeld!," "Hannity," "Outnumbered," and "America's Newsroom". These additional appearances could add extra income through special arrangements. Gavin Hadden, Fox News vice president of morning programming, highlighted her decade-long experience at Fox News – experience that usually commands better pay.
Comparison with other Fox News anchors
Shimkus's estimated earnings exceed entry-level salaries but don't match the network's biggest stars. New reporters at Fox News typically earn $40,000 to $70,000 yearly. Top anchors like Sean Hannity can make between $6 million and $30 million annually.
Fox News anchors and reporters earn a median salary of $68,263. This puts Shimkus above average for her position. Fox News anchor employees rate their pay and benefits 3 out of 5 stars, slightly better than industry standards.
While exact numbers remain private, Shimkus's 10-year experience and value as an on-air personality at Fox News reflect in her compensation.
From Intern to Anchor: Carley Shimkus’s Career Path
Carley Shimkus started her remarkable trip at Fox News over a decade ago. She steadily climbed the ranks to become one of the network's recognizable morning personalities. Her career path showed how persistence and talent can lead to professional success in broadcast journalism.
Starting as a production assistant
Shimkus joined Fox Business Network in 2009 as a production assistant right after college. These early years saw her working behind the scenes. She learned television production's complexities and built valuable industry connections. This entry-level role became the foundation of her future on-camera work. She understood broadcast operations from the ground up.
Becoming a Fox News Headlines 24/7 reporter
Shimkus proved her capabilities behind the camera and moved to on-air talent in 2015. She became a reporter and anchor for Fox News Headlines 24/7, the network's radio news service.
She developed her broadcasting skills and delivered concise news updates. Her polished on-air presence became her trademark. This position served as a crucial stepping stone in her career growth.
Co-hosting Fox & Friends First
Shimkus's career took its most important leap in November 2021. The network appointed her as co-host of "Fox & Friends First," their early morning show airing from 4-6 AM ET. She also serves as a news reader during the highly-rated main "Fox & Friends" program. These roles lifted her visibility and made her a morning fixture for Fox News viewers nationwide.
Other appearances on Fox shows
Shimkus expanded her presence beyond her main hosting duties across the Fox News lineup. She brings her quick wit to popular programs like "Gutfeld!" which fits perfectly with the show's format. She appears on "Hannity," "Outnumbered," and "America's Newsroom." These appearances have made her a versatile network personality.
Her career growth shows her adaptability in different broadcasting formats – from radio to television, and from brief headline reporting to extended panel discussions. This versatility has without doubt helped her rise within the Fox News organization. Her compensation package grew accordingly with her expanding role.
Carley Shimkus Net Worth and Income Sources
Carley Shimkus has built wealth beyond her Fox News salary through a variety of financial investments. Her rising media presence has opened doors to multiple revenue streams.
Estimated net worth in 2025
Carley Shimkus's net worth stands between $1 million and $2 million as of 2025. This wealth comes from her steady career growth at Fox News combined with smart money management. Her television journalism career serves as the main source of her earnings.
She started working behind the scenes before becoming a recognized anchor. While finding financial success, Shimkus leads a modest life. She chooses investments, real estate, and family-focused financial planning over lavish spending.
Income from books and media appearances
Shimkus's writing projects provide substantial extra income. Her cookbook "Cooking with Friends" features over 75 recipes from the Fox family. The book includes affordable main courses, appetizers, and desserts. This publication helped expand her reach beyond journalism while creating a new income stream separate from broadcasting.
Social media and brand collaborations
Shimkus makes use of her public image through selective brand sponsorships and social media partnerships. These deals now make up much of her income. She could earn more through media consulting and speaking events in the future. This mix of income sources helps build financial security that goes beyond her television work.
Personal Life, Family, and Fun Facts
Carley Shimkus's life extends well beyond her Fox News career. Her rich cultural heritage and strong family roots have shaped her path to becoming a well-known media personality.
Marriage to Peter Buchignani
Carley's romance started at her 23rd birthday party where she met Peter Buchignani. They were just friends back in 2003 but started dating in 2013. Their long-distance relationship blossomed into marriage on August 8, 2015, at her New Jersey home.
Peter graduated from Princeton University, played football there, and now works in financial services at Amherst Pierpont Securities. Their shared love for Michigan football showed up at their wedding too—they walked out to Michigan's fight song because Peter wanted it that way.
Her son and family background
A baby boy named Brock Edward joined Carley and Peter's family in February 2023. She shared the news on Instagram with these words: "Welcome to the world sweet Brock. You have unlocked a place in our hearts we didn't even know we had".
Life gets busy as she juggles motherhood and work. "I don't ever sleep, but I get to devote time to two things that I love," she says. Her mom Zulma, a former flight attendant from Puerto Rico, and dad Edward, of Lithuanian descent, gave her a rich mix of cultures. Their own love story began on an airplane in 1982 where Zulma worked as a flight attendant.
Height and brief modeling career
At 5 feet 10 inches tall, Carley thought over modeling as a teenager. She tried it briefly but ended up choosing a different path, telling Fox Insider: "It was a fun experience but not in the cards for me". Notwithstanding that, she did book one memorable job—promoting a Halloween costume for Party City.
Education and early life in New Jersey
Long Valley, New Jersey was home for Carley, where she graduated from West Morris Central High School in 2005. She remembers her time in student council and football games fondly, "especially the ones against West Morris Mendham".
Her college years took her to Quinnipiac University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 2009. During her junior year, she spent a semester at George Washington University that got her interested in journalism.
Conclusion
Carley Shimkus's career path from production assistant to Fox News co-host shows how talent and hard work can create both professional and financial success in broadcast journalism. Her exact salary remains a bit of a mystery, but reliable sources estimate her annual earnings between $70,000 and $150,000.
This sits substantially above the median Fox News anchor salary of $68,263. The network values her contributions after almost a decade of service.
She has steadily climbed the ranks at Fox News since her start. Her behind-the-scenes work as a production assistant led to on-air roles with Fox News Headlines 24/7. She became co-host of "Fox & Friends First" in 2021, which marked a major milestone and came with a substantial salary bump.
Her regular appearances on other popular Fox programs have made her a versatile network personality.
Smart financial moves have helped Shimkus build wealth beyond her Fox News salary. She created the cookbook "Cooking with Friends," partnered with select brands, and collaborated on social media. These ventures have built her impressive net worth of $1-2 million. Her careful planning and modest lifestyle point to strong financial awareness.
Her life outside work centers around her husband Peter Buchignani and their son Brock Edward, born in 2023. She brings a unique perspective with her Puerto Rican mother and Lithuanian-descent father.
Standing at 5'10", she had early modeling opportunities but ended up following her passion for journalism. This choice has rewarded her both professionally and financially.
Carley Shimkus shows how dedication, starting from scratch, and smart career moves can turn an entry-level job into a leading role at a major news network. Her story inspires upcoming journalists and reveals interesting details about pay at one of America's most-watched news organizations.
FAQs
Q1. What is Carley Shimkus's estimated salary at Fox News?
Carley Shimkus's annual salary at Fox News is estimated to range between $70,000 and $150,000, depending on various sources. Some reports suggest she earns around $80,287 per year, while others indicate her compensation could be as high as $150,000.
Q2. Is Carley Shimkus currently married?
Yes, Carley Shimkus is married to Peter Buchignani. They tied the knot on August 8, 2015, after meeting at her 23rd birthday celebration and dating for several years.
Q3. Where did Carley Shimkus receive her education?
Carley Shimkus graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism in 2009. During her junior year, she also completed a semester at George Washington University, which sparked her interest in journalism.
Q4. How many children does Carley Shimkus have?
Carley Shimkus and her husband Peter Buchignani have one child, a son named Brock Edward, who was born in February 2023.
Q5. What was Carley Shimkus's career path before becoming a Fox News anchor?
Carley Shimkus started her career at Fox Business Network as a production assistant in 2009. She then became a reporter for Fox News Headlines 24/7 in 2015, before being promoted to co-host of "Fox & Friends First" in November 2021.