Net Worth Ranker
What Is Anderson Cooper’s Net Worth
Anderson Cooper, a prominent figure in American television, journalism, and literature, has accumulated a considerable net worth throughout his career. As of 2025, Anderson Cooper’s net worth is estimated to be $60 million. This figure reflects his earnings from various endeavors, primarily his work as a television personality and journalist.
Anderson Cooper’s Earnings and Financial Background
Cooper’s financial standing is significantly influenced by his annual salary as the host of CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360°,” which amounts to $20 million. This substantial income stream has been a key factor in building his net worth over the years.
It’s worth noting that earlier estimates of Anderson Cooper’s net worth were considerably higher, based on presumptions about the wealth inherited from his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. However, Anderson Cooper clarified in his 2021 book, “Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty,” that there was no substantial Vanderbilt family fortune remaining by the end of his mother’s life. While his ancestor, Cornelius Vanderbilt, amassed an inflation-adjusted net worth of $185 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in history, subsequent generations of the Vanderbilt family depleted the fortune.
Anderson Cooper’s Career and Income Sources
Anderson Cooper’s career began with a focus on journalism. After graduating from Yale University, he gained experience in various war-torn regions, including Bosnia, Somalia, and Rwanda, before transitioning to broadcast journalism. He worked at ABC as a correspondent and co-host of “World News Tonight” and also hosted “The Mole” for two seasons.
In 2003, he became the anchor of “Anderson Cooper 360°,” his own news program on CNN. In April 2023, CNN launched the Sunday primetime series “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper,” further expanding his role at the network. His multi-year deal with CNN in early 2007 reportedly doubled his salary from $2 million annually to $4 million, highlighting his increasing value to the network.
Beyond his work on “Anderson Cooper 360,” Cooper has contributed to CBS News’ “60 Minutes” as a correspondent. He has received numerous awards for his journalism, including an Emmy Award in 1997 for his coverage of Princess Diana’s funeral, a Peabody Award in 2005 for his coverage of Hurricane Katrina, and multiple Emmys in 2011 for his coverage of Haiti. His achievements have undoubtedly contributed to his financial success and enhanced his reputation as a respected journalist.
Anderson Cooper’s Real Estate Investments
Anderson Cooper has invested in real estate, owning a beach house in Trancoso, Brazil. He also owns a renovated former firehouse in New York’s Greenwich Village, purchased in January 2010 for $4.3 million. This firehouse, built in 1906, is a four-story brick building spanning 8,240 square feet. The exterior has been restored to reveal the original stone, brick, and terra cotta details, while the interior features brass fire poles, spiral staircases, and wood beams.
While interior details are not publicly available, the firehouse’s features and prime location in Greenwich Village suggest that it is a valuable asset. The acquisition and renovation of this property demonstrate Cooper’s interest in real estate investment and his appreciation for unique and historic properties.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Anderson Hays Cooper was born on June 3, 1967, in Manhattan, New York City. His father, Wyatt Emory Cooper, was a writer, and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, was an artist, fashion designer, and heiress. He studied Political Science and International Relations at Yale University and spent two summers as an intern at the CIA. After graduating, Cooper lived in Vietnam for a year, studying the Vietnamese language at the University of Hanoi. He then worked as a fact checker for the news agency Channel One and periodically sold homemade news segments to the channel.
Before becoming a news anchor, Cooper worked as a model for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Macy’s from the ages of 10 to 13. These early experiences contributed to his understanding of media and public image and provided him with financial independence from a young age. His early work in war-torn regions, filming stories in Bosnia, Somalia, and Rwanda, aired on Channel One and gave him valuable experience in journalism, laying the foundation for his later success.
Writing and Other Pursuits
Cooper has authored articles as a freelance writer in publications such as Details magazine. His memoir, “Dispatches from the Edge,” was published in May 2006 by HarperCollins and topped The New York Times Best Seller list in June that year. In 2017, Cooper co-authored “The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss” with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. In 2021, he co-authored “Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty” with Katherine Howe.
These writing endeavors have provided him with additional income and have further established his reputation as a versatile and insightful communicator. After interviewing Andy Cohen about his book, “The Andy Cohen Diaries,” in 2015, the two created a conversational stage show, “AC2,” which toured to over 50 cities, generating revenue from ticket sales and merchandise.
Personal Life
Cooper’s personal life has also garnered public attention. He is openly gay and was the first openly gay person to moderate a presidential debate in the general election in 2016. Apple CEO Tim Cook sought Cooper’s advice before publicly coming out as gay.
Cooper has two sons, Wyatt Morgan Cooper and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. Although Cooper and Benjamin Maisani are no longer romantically involved, Maisani is in the process of adopting Wyatt as they continue to co-parent the children. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, passed away in June 2019 and left the majority of her estate to her son. These personal events have shaped his public image and have influenced his perspectives on various social and political issues, further enhancing his credibility as a journalist and commentator.
