Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jon Heder’s Net Worth?
Jon Heder, the American actor and filmmaker best known for his role in “Napoleon Dynamite,” has accumulated a significant net worth over his career. As of 2025, Jon Heder’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his work in film and television, including acting roles, voice acting, and occasional production credits. His initial breakthrough with “Napoleon Dynamite,” despite the modest initial salary, laid the foundation for future opportunities and increased earning potential.
Early Career and “Napoleon Dynamite”
Born in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1977, Jon Heder moved to Salem, Oregon, during his childhood. He attended Walker Middle School and South Salem High School, where he participated in drama and swimming, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. After graduating, he enrolled at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he honed his acting skills and connected with future collaborators. It was during his time at BYU that Heder met Jared Hess, and together, they created the short film “Peluca.” This project would later be adapted into the iconic film “Napoleon Dynamite.”
Heder’s breakthrough came in 2004 with “Napoleon Dynamite.” The independent film, made on a budget of approximately $400,000, grossed over $46 million at the box office. Despite the film’s massive success, Heder was reportedly paid only $1,000 for his role as Napoleon Dynamite. Although the initial payment was minimal, the exposure from the film significantly boosted his career trajectory. This role earned him MTV Movie Awards for Best Breakthrough Performance and Best Musical Sequence, along with multiple Teen Choice Awards nominations. The financial impact extended beyond immediate earnings, leading to subsequent higher-paying roles and opportunities.
Film Career: From Rom-Coms to Animated Features
Following the success of “Napoleon Dynamite,” Heder secured a supporting role in the 2005 romantic comedy “Just Like Heaven,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. While specific salary details for this role aren’t publicly available, participation in such a mainstream film likely contributed to his growing income. In 2006, he voiced a character in the animated film “Monster House,” which, while specific payment data remains private, added to his income stream. Heder also took on leading roles in comedies like “The Benchwarmers” and “School for Scoundrels” in 2006. Despite mixed critical reception, these films provided further income, although the exact figures are not disclosed.
In 2007, Heder co-starred in the well-received sports comedy “Blades of Glory” alongside Will Ferrell. The film’s success boosted his profile and likely earned him a substantial salary. In the same year, he voiced the character of Chicken Joe in the animated film “Surf’s Up,” contributing to his portfolio of voice acting roles. His film roles during the early 2010s, including appearances in “When in Rome” and “For Ellen,” as well as voice work in animated films such as “Legend of Kung Fu Rabbit,” “Pinocchio,” and “Pororo, The Racing Adventure,” continued to add to his income. Although specific figures for each project are not available, these consistent roles contributed to the steady growth of his net worth.
Heder’s later film credits include the satirical comedy “Reality,” the biographical drama “Walt Before Mickey,” where he portrayed Roy Disney, the holiday ensemble comedy “Christmas Eve,” the comedy thriller “Ghost Team,” and “The Tiger Hunter.” Additional movies with Heder include “Unexpected Race” and “Killing Winston Jones.” The cumulative earnings from these diverse film projects have played a significant role in shaping Jon Heder’s overall financial picture. These roles, while varying in prominence and pay scale, have contributed to his $10 million net worth.
Television and Web Series Ventures
Jon Heder’s television career began with an appearance on “Mad TV” in 2004. Following this, he lent his voice to “Robot Chicken” and hosted “Saturday Night Live.” In 2008, Heder appeared in an episode of “My Name is Earl” and later guest-starred on “How I Met Your Mother.” These television appearances, particularly the hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live,” would have contributed to his income and visibility.
Many of Heder’s television credits involve voice roles on animated shows. These include “The Legend of Korra,” “Kroll Show,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Uncle Grandpa,” “Clarence,” “Ben 10: Omniverse,” “All Hail King Julien,” and “Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters.” From 2015 to 2018, Heder voiced the main role of Peanut on the Disney XD series “Pickle and Peanut.” Voice acting for animated shows typically provides steady work and consistent income. While specific salary details are not public, recurring roles in these series have likely made a substantial contribution to his earnings.
In 2008, Heder ventured into web series with the horror comedy “Woke Up Dead,” where he served as both producer and star. Along with his brother Dan, Heder also starred in the internet martial arts comedy series “Sockbaby.” Other web series appearances included “Dead Grandma,” which he hosted, and guest appearances on “TableTop” and “Critical Role.” These web-based projects, while potentially less lucrative than major film or television roles, demonstrate his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore diverse platforms, adding incrementally to his income.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Jon Heder married Kirsten Bales, whom he met at Brigham Young University, in 2002. They are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have two sons and two daughters. Information regarding Jon Heder’s real estate holdings is not publicly available. The specifics of his residential properties, including addresses or property values, are not disclosed. Similarly, there is no publicly available information regarding personal investments or other significant assets that contribute to Jon Heder’s net worth.
Summary of Jon Heder’s Net Worth
In summary, Jon Heder’s estimated $10 million net worth is primarily derived from his acting career, which includes significant roles in film, television, and voice acting. While his initial payment for “Napoleon Dynamite” was a mere $1,000, the film’s success catapulted him into the spotlight and paved the way for future lucrative opportunities. His continued work in both mainstream and independent projects, combined with his ventures into television and web series, has contributed to his financial success. Although precise details about specific earnings from each project remain private, the consistent and diverse nature of his career has solidified his financial standing as a successful actor in the entertainment industry. The continuous roles in various movies and television series have allowed Jon Heder to maintain a stable income. Jon Heder’s net worth reflects his career as a recognizable figure in the film industry. His early success with “Napoleon Dynamite” enabled him to secure roles in many projects. Despite earning only $1,000 for his work in “Napoleon Dynamite,” the opportunities created by the popularity of the film were critical to his financial success. His participation in various projects such as “Just Like Heaven,” “Blades of Glory,” and “Surf’s Up” have contributed to Jon Heder’s net worth of $10 million. These various roles have provided consistent revenue for Jon Heder and contributed to his ongoing financial success. Jon Heder’s net worth is a reflection of a career that has spanned independent film, major motion pictures and television.
