Net Worth Ranker
What Is Natalie Morales’ Net Worth
Natalie Morales, a prominent American journalist, has cultivated a successful career spanning various media platforms. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be $18 million, reflecting her achievements in television news and entertainment.
Natalie Morales’ Career and Earnings
Morales’ career trajectory showcases a steady climb through the ranks of broadcast journalism. She began her national career at MSNBC in 2002, serving as an anchor and correspondent for four years, covering significant events such as the 2004 Presidential Election, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, and the Scott Peterson trial. While specific salary figures for her time at MSNBC are not publicly available, such roles at major news networks typically command substantial compensation.
In 2006, Morales transitioned to NBC’s “Today” show, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Initially, she served as a national correspondent before becoming the co-anchor of the show’s third hour in 2008. Her role expanded significantly in 2011 when she replaced Ann Curry as the news anchor, a position that further solidified her presence on national television. Her annual salary reached approximately $6 million. From 2016, Natalie became the “Today” Show’s West Coast anchor, marking a significant change in her role and location. She also succeeded Billy Bush as the host of “Access Hollywood” and “Access Hollywood Live,” adding entertainment news to her portfolio. Her tenure with “Access Hollywood” concluded in 2019, but the experience broadened her reach within the entertainment industry.
The $6 million annual salary reported reflects her position as a news anchor and co-host on a major network morning show. It’s important to note that compensation packages for television personalities often include additional benefits, such as expense accounts, travel allowances, and performance-based bonuses, which can further augment their overall earnings. While there are no publicly available details regarding bonuses or other additional compensation, it’s reasonable to assume that her total annual income at NBC could have exceeded the base salary figure.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 6, 1972, in Taipei, Taiwan, Natalie Morales experienced a diverse upbringing due to her father’s military career. Mario Morales, her father, served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, which necessitated frequent relocations. Her family lived in the United States, Spain, Brazil, and Panama, giving her fluency in Portuguese and Spanish in addition to English. In 1990, Natalie graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Delaware, before enrolling at Rutgers University. She excelled in college, earning a dual degree in Journalism & Media Studies in addition to Latin American Studies. She participated in Greek life as a member of Phi Beta Kappa sorority and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree with the summa cum laude honor. Her early exposure to different cultures and her academic achievements laid a solid foundation for her future career in journalism.
Real Estate Assets
In 2002, while working on the East Coast, Natalie Morales and her husband, Joseph Rhodes, purchased a townhome in Hoboken, New Jersey. They later renovated and expanded the property in 2008. The exact purchase price and the cost of the renovation are not publicly available, but real estate values in Hoboken have generally appreciated over time. When Morales took on the role of “Today” show’s West Coast anchor, the couple sold their Hoboken townhome and moved to Brentwood, California. Property values in Brentwood are significantly higher than in Hoboken, reflecting the affluent nature of the Los Angeles neighborhood. Although the specific details of the Brentwood property are not public, real estate transactions in that area typically involve multi-million dollar homes.
Other Ventures and Recognition
Beyond her work in television news, Natalie Morales has engaged in activities that further enhance her public profile and contribute to her overall income. She is a dedicated runner, having completed numerous marathons and triathlons, including five New York City Marathons. In October 2010, “Triathlete Magazine” recognized her achievements by featuring her on the cover and in a full-length article. While these activities may not directly translate into substantial income, they add to her brand appeal and can open doors to endorsement opportunities and speaking engagements. Also, “El Diario La Prensa,” recognized Natalie as being one of the 50 Most Influential Latinas due to her news reports and coverage. Hispanic Magazine also named her a Top Trendsetter of 2003.
Personal Life
Natalie Morales married Joseph Rhodes in August 1998. They have two sons: Josh, born in 2004, and Luke, born in 2008. Her commitment to her family has been a consistent part of her public persona. She enjoys running and has competed in numerous marathons and triathlons, including five New York City Marathons. Her commitment to fitness aligns with the image of health and vitality often associated with television personalities. There are no publicly available details regarding specific brands or endorsements she may have been involved with, but it is common for television personalities to engage in such partnerships. It is reasonable to assume that she may have participated in endorsements or promotional activities, which would have contributed to her overall income.
Career Progression: From News 12 to the National Stage
After earning her degree, Natalie Morales started her journalism career at News 12 – The Bronx as a morning anchor, gaining valuable experience as an editor, camera operator, and producer in addition to her on-air role. While the exact salary she earned at News 12 is not publicly available, local news positions typically provide a starting point for aspiring journalists. She then moved to Hartford, Connecticut, becoming a morning co-anchor and a weekend anchor and reporter for WVIT-TV. During her time at WVIT-TV, she covered several high-profile stories, including the Columbine shootings, the 2000 Presidential Election, and the attacks of September 11, 2001. She co-hosted the documentary “Save Our Sound,” focused on preserving the Long Island Sound, which was nominated for an Emmy Award. Although specific salary details are not publicly available, her role at WVIT-TV represented a significant step up in her career.
From 2002 to 2006, Natalie Morales served as an anchor and correspondent for MSNBC, covering the 2004 Presidential Election, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, and the investigation and trial of Scott Peterson. While exact salary figures for her time at MSNBC are not public, such roles at major news networks command considerable compensation. In 2006, Morales joined the Today show as a national correspondent. In 2008, she became the co-anchor of the show’s third hour, and in 2011, she replaced Ann Curry as the news anchor. Her transition to the “Today” show significantly boosted her visibility and income, as she became a prominent figure on national television. In 2016, Morales moved to California to become the Today Show West Coast Anchor, and she also hosted “Access Hollywood” until 2019. This move and expanded role likely came with a revised compensation package, as she took on additional responsibilities.
Net Worth Calculation and Considerations
Natalie Morales’ estimated net worth of $18 million is based on a combination of factors, including her salary as a television news anchor and host, her real estate investments, and potential income from endorsements and other ventures. The exact breakdown of her assets is not publicly available, but it is reasonable to assume that a significant portion of her net worth is tied to her earnings from NBC, which she accumulated over several years. In addition, she had a $6 million annual salary during some period of her tenure.
Additional Income Streams and Investments
While Natalie Morales is primarily known for her work in television journalism, it is possible that she has diversified her income streams through investments in stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments. Many high-income individuals allocate a portion of their earnings to investments to build long-term wealth. The extent of Natalie Morales’ investment portfolio is not publicly known. Also, it is possible that she has engaged in paid speaking engagements, endorsements, or partnerships with various brands. While the specifics of these potential income streams are not available, they would contribute to her overall financial picture.
