Net Worth Ranker
What Is Joel Osteen’s Net Worth?
Joel Osteen, a prominent American preacher, televangelist, and author, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $100 million as of 2025. His financial success stems from diverse sources, including book sales, royalties, speaking engagements, and various merchandise associated with his ministry. Osteen is primarily recognized as the pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, a mega-church housed in a 600,000-square-foot former sports stadium with a seating capacity of 17,000. Since 2005, Osteen has chosen not to receive a salary from Lakewood Church, relying instead on the income generated from his books and related ventures.
Sources of Wealth and Income
Joel Osteen’s financial prosperity arises from a multifaceted approach. While he does not receive a salary from Lakewood Church, his book sales, radio show, public speaking engagements, and church collections collectively generate over $90 million annually. Although specific figures for each of these income streams are not publicly available, it is known that his book sales have been particularly lucrative. For instance, his second book, “Become A Better You,” reportedly earned him over $13 million in advances and royalties alone.
According to financial records published by the Houston Chronicle, Lakewood Church’s income in 2017 reached $89 million. After covering expenses, the church allocated $1.2 million to charitable causes, representing approximately 1.3% of its total income. The remaining funds were used to support the church’s operations, television ministry, and other initiatives. This financial structure allows Osteen to focus on his personal income streams while ensuring the continued functioning of Lakewood Church.
Real Estate Assets and Investments
Joel Osteen and his family reside in a 17,000-square-foot mansion in the Houston suburbs. This property, acquired in 2010 for $10.5 million, is currently estimated to be worth between $14 million and $16 million, according to Zillow. In addition to this primary residence, the Osteens retain ownership of a former Houston home, valued at approximately $3 million. While specific details regarding other investments held by Osteen are not publicly disclosed, these real estate holdings demonstrate a significant portion of his asset portfolio.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 5, 1963, in Houston, Texas, Joel Scott Osteen is one of six children of John Osteen and Dolores Pilgrim. He also has a half-brother from his father’s previous marriage. Osteen graduated from Humble High School in 1981 and subsequently pursued radio and television communications at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, although he did not complete his degree. This educational background proved valuable in his later career, as he inherited Lakewood Church and its television ministry from his father, John Osteen, a Southern Baptist pastor.
Before assuming the role of pastor, Joel Osteen played a crucial role in developing Lakewood’s television program and producing his father’s TV sermons for 17 years. In January 1999, following his father’s death from a heart attack, Joel took over the pastoral responsibilities, despite lacking formal religious training. This transition marked a significant turning point in his career, as he quickly rose to prominence as a televangelist and author.
In 2003, Lakewood Church acquired the Compaq Center, the former home of the NBA Houston Rockets basketball team. The subsequent renovations, which lasted 15 months and cost over $105 million, transformed the arena into a state-of-the-art mega-church. The grand opening was attended by 56,000 people, including prominent figures such as then-Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. This event solidified Lakewood Church’s position as a major religious institution and further elevated Joel Osteen’s profile.
Authorial Success and Media Presence
In 2004, Joel Osteen released his first book, “Your Best Life Now,” which became a New York Times Best Seller and remained on the list for 200 weeks. This success propelled him to new heights, allowing him to share his message of positive thinking and personal growth with a wider audience. The popularity of his books and sermons led to sold-out speaking engagements in sports arenas worldwide, further contributing to his income and influence.
Osteen’s second book, “Become A Better You,” sold four million copies and generated over $13 million in advances and royalties. This success led to a 15-city U.S. tour in 2005, where he preached to large crowds at each location. Throughout his career, Osteen has authored over 20 books, including “Rule Your Day: 6 Keys to Maximizing Your Success and Accelerating Your Dreams” and “Your Greater is Coming: Discover the Path to Your Bigger, Better, and Brighter Future.” These publications have not only expanded his reach but also significantly contributed to his overall wealth.
By 2008, Lakewood Church’s weekly service TV stream was being viewed in more than 100 countries. In 2010, Joel and his family were invited to attend the Easter breakfast hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House. Since then, the Lakewood Church broadcast has expanded exponentially and is now seen in 100 different countries. Osteen’s weekly TV sermons are viewed by an average of seven million people per week and 20 million per month. This extensive media presence has not only amplified his message but also significantly increased his financial opportunities.
Personal Life and Controversies
Joel Osteen married Victoria Iloff, co-pastor of Lakewood Church, on April 4, 1987. They have two children together, a son and a daughter. Osteen’s older siblings and younger sister are also involved full-time in ministry. While Osteen generally avoids preaching about controversial and political issues, he has stated his support for Israel and expressed his disapproval of homophobia.
In August 2017, Osteen faced criticism for not initially making Lakewood Church available as an emergency shelter in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Despite initial claims that the building was unusable due to flooding, Osteen later announced that the church would open as a shelter for victims and emergency personnel. A year later, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed a day in honor of Osteen and Lakewood Church’s assistance in rebuilding efforts around the city, acknowledging the church’s contributions to more than 1,150 Houston families and its donation of $1.1 million for rebuilding materials.
Detailed Breakdown of Income Sources
While precise figures for Joel Osteen’s various income streams remain confidential, a comprehensive overview can be assembled based on publicly available information. Book sales undoubtedly constitute a significant portion of his annual earnings. With over 20 published works, including multiple New York Times Best Sellers, Osteen has generated substantial royalties and advances. “Become A Better You”, as previously mentioned, is known to have generated more than $13 million in advances and royalties alone.
Public speaking engagements also contribute substantially to Osteen’s wealth. He commands significant fees for appearances at conferences, seminars, and other events, where he shares his message of positive thinking and personal growth. The exact amount earned per speaking engagement is not publicly known, but given his popularity and demand, it can be assumed to be a significant source of income.
Lakewood Church collections, while not directly contributing to Osteen’s salary, indirectly support his financial endeavors by funding the church’s operations and television ministry. This allows him to focus on his personal income streams without the burden of church-related expenses. The church’s annual income of $89 million in 2017 demonstrates its financial stability and capacity to support Osteen’s platform.
Merchandise sales, including calendars, books, and other items related to Osteen’s ministry, also contribute to his overall income. While the specific figures for merchandise sales are not publicly available, they represent an additional source of revenue that complements his other income streams.
Net Worth Milestones
While the exact trajectory of Joel Osteen’s net worth over time is not publicly documented, certain milestones can be identified based on available information. The acquisition of the $10.5 million mansion in 2010 represents a significant investment and a clear indication of his financial success. The increasing value of this property, now estimated at $14 million to $16 million, further contributes to his overall net worth.
The success of his books, particularly “Your Best Life Now” and “Become A Better You,” marked pivotal moments in his career and significantly boosted his income. The consistent sales and royalties generated by these books, along with his subsequent publications, have contributed substantially to his long-term financial stability. His appearances on Barbara Walters’s list of the 10 Most Fascinating People in 2006 and his invitation to the White House Easter breakfast in 2010 further solidified his public profile and increased his financial opportunities. The steady expansion of Lakewood Church’s television ministry, reaching millions of viewers worldwide, has also contributed to his financial success.
Joel Osteen’s Net Worth: A Summary
Joel Osteen’s $100 million net worth is a testament to his success as a preacher, televangelist, and author. His multifaceted approach to wealth creation, encompassing book sales, speaking engagements, and merchandise sales, has allowed him to amass a substantial fortune. While his personal wealth has drawn criticism, particularly in light of his advocacy of the “prosperity gospel,” Osteen maintains that individuals should not feel guilty for possessing material wealth, but rather express gratitude to God. His continued success and influence demonstrate his ability to connect with audiences and generate substantial financial returns.
