Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dana Perino’s Net Worth?
Dana Perino, an accomplished American political commentator and author, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $6 million. This figure reflects her diverse income streams from various roles throughout her career, including her time as White House Press Secretary, her contributions to Fox News, and her work as an author.
Early Life and Education
Dana Perino was born on May 8, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, she attended Ponderosa High School in Parker, a suburb of Denver. She pursued higher education at Colorado State University-Pueblo, where she earned a degree in Mass Communications in the mid-1990s. During her college years, Perino actively engaged in campus media, producing and hosting programs focused on politics and public affairs. She honed her skills as a member of the school’s forensics team, participating in competitive speech and debate. Additionally, she gained practical experience at KTSC-TV, the campus-based Rocky Mountain PBS affiliate.
Perino furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield. While studying, she worked as a daily reporter for CBS affiliate WCIA, covering the Illinois Capitol, providing her with hands-on experience in journalism and political reporting.
Career Trajectory
After relocating to Washington, D.C., Dana Perino began her career in the political arena, serving as a staff assistant for Rep. Scott McInnis. This initial role led to a position as the press secretary for Rep. Dan Schaefer, a role she held for nearly four years. In 1998, she moved to England with her husband, Peter McMahon, and returned to Washington in November 2001, shortly after the September 11th attacks.
Upon her return, Perino joined the Department of Justice as a spokesperson in 2001. Subsequently, she worked as the Associate Director of Communications for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, further solidifying her experience in governmental communications. Her career advanced when she became the Deputy Press Secretary under President George W. Bush.
During Tony Snow’s cancer treatment in 2007, Perino took on the role of Acting White House Press Secretary. She officially assumed the full Press Secretary duties from 2007 to 2008, becoming the second woman to hold this position. A notable incident occurred during a press conference in Baghdad in December 2008, when a TV journalist threw shoes at President Bush, and Perino sustained an eye injury from a microphone stand amidst the commotion. She held the title of Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary from September 2007 to January 2009, when the Bush administration concluded.
Following her tenure in the White House, Perino transitioned to the media industry, becoming a political commentator for Fox News. In 2009, she began co-hosting the talk show “The Five.” Later that year, she was nominated by President Obama to serve on the Broadcasting Board of Governors and was confirmed by the Senate in June 2010. In addition to her television work, Perino taught political communications at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. She briefly served as a book editorial director / publishing executive at Crown Publishing Group of Random House before leaving the position after a few years. In September 2016, she launched a podcast called “Perino & Stirewalt: I’ll Tell You What” with Chris Stirewalt, which ran weekly until Stirewalt’s departure from Fox News after the 2020 presidential election. In October 2017, Perino started hosting “The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino” on Fox News, a role she held until early 2021 when she became a co-anchor on “America’s Newsroom” alongside Bill Hemmer. In August 2023, it was announced that Perino would host a new podcast, “Perino on Politics,” on Fox News Radio, focusing on the 2024 presidential election.
Dana Perino’s career as a political commentator and television host has been a significant contributor to her **net worth**. Her visibility on Fox News, through programs like “The Five” and “America’s Newsroom,” provides a consistent and substantial income stream. While the specific details of her contracts with Fox News are not publicly available, it is common for prominent television personalities to earn significant salaries and bonuses based on viewership and performance.
Beyond her television roles, Perino’s ventures as an author have also added to her **net worth**. She has written three books: “And the Good News Is…Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side” (2015), “Let Me Tell You About Jasper…How My Best Friend Became America’s Dog” (2016), and “Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (from a Former Young Woman)” (2021). While the exact sales figures and royalties from these books are not publicly disclosed, successful books can generate considerable income for authors through royalties, advances, and related opportunities such as speaking engagements.
Dana Perino’s Literary Works
Dana Perino has authored three books, each offering unique insights and perspectives. Her first book, “And the Good News Is…Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side,” published in 2015, shares personal anecdotes and advice gleaned from her experiences in politics and life. The book provides readers with a glimpse into Perino’s optimistic outlook and her approach to navigating challenges. While exact sales figures are not publicly available, the book’s popularity likely contributed to her income through royalties and related opportunities.
In 2016, Perino released “Let Me Tell You About Jasper…How My Best Friend Became America’s Dog,” a heartwarming tribute to her beloved Vizsla, Jasper. This book resonated with dog lovers and offered a personal look at Perino’s life beyond her political career. The emotional connection with readers likely translated into book sales and contributed to her income.
Her most recent book, “Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons for Young Women (from a Former Young Woman),” published in 2021, provides guidance and encouragement to young women navigating life’s challenges. Drawing on her own experiences, Perino shares valuable life lessons and insights. While the exact financial impact of this book is not publicly known, its publication further enhances her **net worth** through royalties and potential speaking engagements.
Personal Life
Dana Perino met Britain-born Peter McMahon on a flight to Denver in August 1997, and they eloped in England 11 months later. Although they briefly resided in the United Kingdom, they have been long-time residents of Bay Head, New Jersey. Perino also gained some notoriety for her pet dog, Jasper, a Vizsla who unfortunately passed away in September 2021. She announced on Fox that she and her husband had adopted another Vizsla named Percy a few months later. In 2023, Perino was awarded an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from her alma mater, CSU Pueblo.
Salary and Income Details
While the specific salary Dana Perino earns from Fox News is not publicly disclosed, it is common for prominent political commentators and anchors to receive substantial compensation packages. These packages typically include a base salary, bonuses based on performance and ratings, and potential stock options or other benefits. Given her long tenure and high visibility on Fox News programs such as “The Five” and “America’s Newsroom,” it is reasonable to assume that Perino’s annual income from the network is a significant contributor to her overall **net worth**.
In addition to her salary from Fox News, Perino likely generates income from other sources, such as speaking engagements, book royalties, and potential investments. As a well-known political commentator and author, she is likely in demand as a speaker at various events, which can command fees ranging from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per engagement.
It’s important to note that **net worth** is a dynamic figure that can fluctuate based on various factors, including investment performance, changes in income, and personal expenses. While the estimated **net worth** of $6 million provides a snapshot of her financial standing, the actual figure may vary depending on these factors.
