Net Worth Ranker
What Is Lester Holt’s Net Worth?
Lester Holt, a prominent figure in American journalism, has cultivated a distinguished career over four decades, contributing significantly to his estimated net worth of $35 million. This financial standing reflects his success as a news anchor, journalist, and host across various NBC platforms.
Lester Holt’s Career and Salary Details
Holt’s journey in broadcast journalism began in the early 1980s at WCBS-TV in New York. After gaining experience, he transitioned to MSNBC in 2000. His role expanded over the years, and he became a weekend anchor for NBC News before taking on more significant responsibilities. A pivotal moment occurred in 2015 when Holt was appointed as the anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” succeeding Brian Williams. This appointment marked a milestone as he became the first African American to solely anchor a weekday network nightly newscast.
His responsibilities as the anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” along with his contributions to “Dateline NBC” and other NBC projects, result in an annual salary of $10 million. This compensation underscores his value to the network and the demanding nature of his roles.
Throughout his tenure, Holt has moderated several high-profile presidential debates, including the first debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in 2016. He has also reported on major global events, such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Holt’s coverage of these events has been recognized for its comprehensive and insightful nature, cementing his reputation as a reliable and skilled journalist.
Beyond his anchoring roles, Holt has served as a field reporter, covering events from disaster zones to war zones around the world. His dedication to journalistic integrity has earned him numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. These accolades underscore his significant contributions to the field and his commitment to delivering accurate and impartial news coverage.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lester Don Holt Jr. was born on March 8, 1959, at an Air Force base in Marin County, California. He spent his formative years in Sacramento, raised alongside his three siblings. His heritage includes Jamaican, Indian, and European roots.
Holt’s academic pursuits led him to California State University in Sacramento, where he studied government. Although he did not graduate, his time in college played a significant role in shaping his career path. During his college years, he began working as a disc jockey at a local country and western radio station. This early exposure to broadcasting ignited his passion for the industry and set the stage for his future endeavors.
Recognizing that news presentation was the primary avenue for advancement in broadcasting, Holt transitioned from being a disc jockey to focusing on news-related roles. In the early 1980s, he joined CBS and remained with the network for 19 years. His first position was at WCBS-TV in New York City, where he worked as an anchor for one year. In 1982, he moved to a CBS affiliate in Los Angeles as a weekend anchor and reporter. After a year in Los Angeles, he returned to New York and continued working for CBS for three years.
In 1986, Holt became a prominent figure at a CBS News affiliate in Chicago. During his 14 years in Chicago, he anchored the evening news and served as a correspondent in war zones and other dangerous areas around the world. His experiences in Chicago significantly broadened his journalistic skills and prepared him for the national stage.
Key Milestones at NBC
Holt’s career took a significant turn when he joined MSNBC in 2000. By 2003, he had become a full-time substitute anchor for “NBC Nightly News” and “Today.” His role expanded further when he became the full-time co-anchor of “Weekend Today.” By 2005, he was hosting his own two-hour daily newscast.
A major milestone in Holt’s career occurred in 2007 when he was named the new anchor for the weekend edition of “NBC Nightly News.” This role positioned him as a key figure within the network and paved the way for his eventual appointment as the permanent anchor of the weekday edition of “NBC Nightly News.”
In 2015, Lester Holt replaced Brian Williams, who had been suspended and demoted after misrepresenting facts regarding the 2003 Iraq War. Holt’s tenure as anchor of “NBC Nightly News” has been marked by a steady and measured approach to news delivery.
In 2018, “Nightly News” experienced a decline in viewership, falling behind ABC News in total viewers for a period of 16 consecutive weeks. Some observers attributed this decline to a lack of high-profile, celebrity-status anchors at NBC.
During the 2016 presidential debates, Holt moderated a debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Some observers, including Trump, accused Holt of favoring Hillary with easier questions while posing more difficult questions to Trump. Holt later changed his party status to “Independent.” Despite the controversy, President Trump later stated that Holt “did a good job” during the debates.
In 2017, Holt interviewed Trump on various subjects, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey. After the interview was released, Trump accused Holt of altering or doctoring the interview to distort public opinion of the president. These events highlight the high-pressure environment and scrutiny that come with being a national news anchor.
In February 2025, Holt announced his decision to step down as anchor of “Nightly News” in the summer of 2025. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his career and in the history of “NBC Nightly News.”
Other Media Appearances and Ventures
Beyond his primary roles in news anchoring and reporting, Holt has made cameo appearances in several films, including “The Fugitive,” “U.S. Marshalls,” and “Primal Fear.” He has also appeared on various TV shows, often playing himself, in series such as “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Due South,” “Early Edition,” “Warehouse 13,” and “30 Rock.” These appearances showcase his versatility and appeal beyond traditional news broadcasting.
Holt has also hosted dog shows and documentaries, including “Mystery of the Crystal Skulls” on the History Channel. These projects highlight his diverse interests and his ability to engage with different types of content.
Family Life
Lester Holt is married to Carol Hagen, and they have two sons together. One of their sons, Stefan Holt, is also a successful news anchor. Stefan has children of his own, making Lester a grandfather. Lester Holt is a Christian and enjoys playing the bass guitar. These personal details provide insight into his life outside of his professional career.
Real Estate Investments
In 2017, it was widely reported that Lester Holt sold his condo in Manhattan for $6.4 million. His wife, who works as a real estate agent, handled the sale. Holt had purchased the apartment in 2007 for $3.22 million. The condo, located in the Grand Madison building, featured 11-foot ceilings, a private balcony overlooking Madison Square Park, large windows, and a built-in espresso maker. The Grand Madison building, built in 1906, is known for its Beaux-Arts-style architecture. This real estate transaction reflects his successful investment strategies and the financial benefits of his career.
