Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jerrod Carmichael’s Net Worth?
Jerrod Carmichael, a multifaceted talent known for his work as a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker, has accumulated a net worth of $2 million as of 2025. This figure reflects his diverse career spanning various entertainment platforms. Carmichael’s financial standing is rooted in his successful stand-up specials, his critically acclaimed television sitcom “The Carmichael Show,” and his more recent television documentary series, “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show.” The Emmy Award he won in 2022 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for his comedy special “Rothaniel” further solidified his reputation and likely contributed to his earnings.
Early Career and Stand-up Success
Born on April 6, 1987, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jerrod Carmichael’s journey to a $2 million net worth began with a pivotal decision to move to Los Angeles at the age of 20. This relocation marked the commencement of his pursuit of a stand-up comedy career. His first performance at an open mic night at the Comedy Store in West Hollywood was a humble beginning. Carmichael steadily honed his skills and gradually ascended the ranks of the comedy club circuit.
A significant milestone in his early career was his performance at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, Canada, in 2011. This event provided a platform to showcase his talent to a wider audience. In 2014, Carmichael released his inaugural stand-up comedy special, “Love at the Store,” on HBO, filmed at the Comedy Store and directed by Spike Lee. While specific financial details regarding the agreement with HBO are not publicly available, this special marked a turning point in his career, elevating his profile and likely increasing his earning potential. It is plausible to assume that the initial deal involved a combination of upfront payment and backend participation based on viewership and sales.
His second stand-up special, “8,” filmed in the Grand Lodge Room of Masonic Hall in New York City and directed by Bo Burnham, premiered on HBO in 2017. Burnham later directed Carmichael’s third stand-up comedy special, “Rothaniel,” which premiered on HBO in 2022. In “Rothaniel,” Carmichael publicly came out as gay. The special received widespread acclaim and earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Based on industry estimates, a successful comedy special on HBO could generate earnings in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially reaching seven figures depending on its popularity and longevity. The Emmy win likely boosted Carmichael’s future earning potential, leading to more lucrative deals.
Television Ventures and Earnings
Carmichael’s foray into television began with a role in the short-lived Fox sitcom “The Goodwin Games” in 2013. This initial venture was followed by voice acting roles in the Fox adult animated series “Axe Cop” and “Lucas Bros. Moving Co.” While these roles may not have been substantial revenue generators, they provided valuable experience and exposure within the television industry.
A significant turning point in Carmichael’s television career was the creation, co-writing, and starring role in the semi-autobiographical sitcom “The Carmichael Show.” The show ran for three seasons on NBC from 2015 to 2017. Although the exact figures for Carmichael’s earnings from “The Carmichael Show” are not public knowledge, as the star, co-creator, and co-writer, he likely received a substantial portion of the show’s revenue. Industry standards for sitcom creators and stars suggest that Carmichael’s earnings per episode could have been in the tens of thousands of dollars, potentially accumulating to a multi-million-dollar figure over the show’s three-season run.
Beyond acting, Carmichael ventured into directing, helming Drew Michael’s 2018 stand-up comedy special. In 2019, he created, wrote, directed, produced, and starred in two autobiographical documentaries for HBO: “Home Videos” and “Sermon on the Mount.” A few years later, he hosted an episode of “Saturday Night Live,” which typically pays hosts a flat fee in the range of $5,000 to $10,000. In 2024, Carmichael began starring in the HBO comedy documentary series “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” which follows him as he interacts with friends, family members, and strangers in his quest for love and connection. The financial terms of this series are not disclosed, but as the star and subject of the show, Carmichael likely receives a substantial salary, potentially in the six-figure range per season. His total earnings from these various television ventures likely contribute significantly to his $2 million net worth. HBO comedy specials generally offer upfront payment and backend participation, allowing comedians to earn based on viewership. Jerrod Carmichael’s multiple specials with HBO would have led to a stable and sizable income stream.
Film Roles and Directorial Debut
Jerrod Carmichael’s presence in the film industry includes various acting roles and a directorial debut. His big-screen debut was in the 2014 comedy film “Neighbors,” followed by a reprisal of his role in the 2016 sequel “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising.” Between these two films, Carmichael appeared in the dramedy “The Meddler.” He later had roles in the biographical dramedy “The Disaster Artist,” the science-fiction action film sequel “Transformers: The Last Knight,” and lent his voice to the animated film “Ferdinand.” In 2018, Carmichael played a security guard in Jonah Hill’s coming-of-age film “Mid90s.”
In 2021, Carmichael made his feature directorial debut with the dramedy “On the Count of Three,” in which he also starred alongside Christopher Abbott. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and garnered mostly positive reviews from critics. The budget for “On the Count of Three” was estimated to be relatively modest, likely in the low millions. As the director and star, Carmichael likely received a combination of salary and backend points, meaning his compensation was tied to the film’s performance. Given the positive reviews and festival buzz, it’s plausible that the film generated a profit, contributing to Carmichael’s net worth.
Carmichael next appeared on the big screen in Yorgos Lanthimos’s 2023 fantasy dramedy “Poor Things,” based on the novel by Alasdair Gray. He played the role of Harry Astley in the Academy Award-winning film. While the specific salary figures for his role in “Poor Things” are not available, the film’s success and critical acclaim likely enhanced Carmichael’s reputation and market value as an actor. Even a smaller role in a high-profile film like “Poor Things” can lead to increased opportunities and higher paychecks in future projects.
Key Milestones and Future Prospects
A significant turning point in Jerrod Carmichael’s career was his Emmy Award win in 2022 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for “Rothaniel.” This recognition solidified his position as a leading voice in comedy and likely translated into increased demand for his talents. Emmy Awards often lead to higher salaries, more lucrative deals, and greater opportunities in the entertainment industry. In 2024, his “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show” debuted on HBO, offering a raw and unfiltered look into his personal life. While the financial details of this series are not public, it is reasonable to assume that Carmichael receives a substantial salary for his role as the star and subject of the show.
Looking ahead, Jerrod Carmichael’s net worth is poised to grow as he continues to pursue diverse projects in stand-up comedy, television, and film. His ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary has resonated with audiences and critics alike. As he takes on new roles and explores new creative avenues, Jerrod Carmichael’s financial standing is projected to increase, reflecting his talent, hard work, and the increasing demand for his unique voice in the entertainment industry. Factors that could impact his future net worth include the success of “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” potential future stand-up specials, and his continued involvement in film and television projects. If he secures lucrative endorsement deals or launches successful business ventures outside of entertainment, his net worth could see even greater growth.
