Net Worth Ranker
What Is Norah O’Donnell’s Net Worth?
Norah O’Donnell, a prominent figure in American journalism, has established herself as a respected print and television journalist. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands at $22 million, reflecting her successful career in news media. This valuation is primarily derived from her work at CBS, where she holds significant positions as the anchor of CBS Evening News and a contributing correspondent for “60 Minutes.” Her financial success is also supplemented by her role as a substitute host for CBS’s Sunday morning show, “Face the Nation.” O’Donnell’s career trajectory and consistent presence in high-profile news programs underscore her financial achievements.
Norah O’Donnell’s Salary and CBS Career
Norah O’Donnell’s annual salary from CBS is reported to be $8 million. This substantial income is a direct result of her anchoring the “CBS Evening News” and her contributions to “60 Minutes,” two of CBS’s flagship programs. O’Donnell assumed the anchor role at “CBS Evening News” in 2019, marking a significant milestone in her career. Prior to this, she co-anchored “CBS This Morning,” further solidifying her position within the network. Her transition to CBS in 2011 involved initially filling in for Scott Pelley on the “CBS Evening News” on October 10, 2011. Subsequently, she served as the network’s Chief White House Correspondent from 2011 to 2012. These roles have been instrumental in building her brand and securing her financial stability. The $8 million salary reflects her value to CBS as a seasoned journalist and a recognizable face in American news broadcasting.
Early Life and Education of Norah O’Donnell
Norah Morahan O’Donnell was born on January 23, 1974, in Washington, D.C. Her parents, Noreen Bernadette O’Kane and Francis Lawrence O’Donnell, both have deep Irish roots. Francis Lawrence O’Donnell was a doctor and officer in the U.S. Army. O’Donnell’s family background is marked by a strong connection to Ireland, with her grandparents being Irish immigrants. Her grandmother even lived in the U.S. without legal documentation for 16 years, adding a layer of complexity to her family history. At the age of three, Norah moved with her family to San Antonio, Texas, reflecting the transient nature of her father’s military career. She also spent two years living in Seoul, South Korea, due to her father’s assignment. Additionally, the family resided in Germany for a period. Her early exposure to different cultures and environments likely shaped her worldview and contributed to her adaptability as a journalist. O’Donnell first ventured into broadcasting at the age of 10, creating videotaped English language lessons for the Korean Educational Development Institute. Upon the family’s return to San Antonio, she attended and graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1991. She pursued higher education at Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1995 and a Master of Arts in liberal studies in 2003. Her educational background in philosophy and liberal studies has undoubtedly influenced her analytical skills and approach to journalism. This rigorous academic preparation laid the foundation for her successful career in media, enhancing her ability to critically assess and articulate complex issues. Her education is a critical component of her overall career and contributes to her Net Worth.
Career Beginnings and Transition to Television
Norah O’Donnell’s career began in print journalism as a staff writer covering Congress for the newspaper “Roll Call.” This early experience provided her with a solid understanding of political processes and journalistic practices. She then transitioned to television, spending twelve years at NBC. During her tenure at NBC, she held various prominent positions, including commentator for “Today,” Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC, and White House correspondent for NBC News. These roles allowed her to cover major political events and develop her on-air presence. She also served as a contributing anchor for “MSNBC Live” and as a rotating news anchor on “Weekend Today.” Her reports were featured on “NBC Nightly News,” “Dateline NBC,” and MSNBC, showcasing her versatility and expertise across different news platforms. O’Donnell also filled in for Chris Matthews on “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” demonstrating her ability to handle political commentary and analysis. Additionally, she co-hosted the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on WNBC since 2007, further broadening her public profile. Her shift to CBS in 2011 marked a significant move in her career, leading to her current roles as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” and contributing correspondent for “60 Minutes.” O’Donnell’s progression from print journalism to various roles at NBC and then to CBS highlights her adaptability and commitment to her craft, contributing to her current Net Worth.
Awards and Recognition
Norah O’Donnell’s contributions to journalism have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2008, she won an Emmy as part of the NBC News Election Night coverage team for Outstanding Live Coverage of a Breaking News Story–Long Form. This award acknowledged her role in providing comprehensive coverage of a major news event. She won another Emmy in 2018 in the category Outstanding Investigative Report in a Newscast for her report “Sexual Assault in the Air Force Academy” for “CBS This Morning.” This investigative piece, which took six months to complete, highlighted O’Donnell’s dedication to in-depth reporting and her commitment to addressing important social issues. Later that year, the story received an honorable mention for the Edgar Allen Poe Award from the White House Correspondents’ Association. O’Donnell has also been recognized for her influence and impact in Washington, D.C., being named one of Washington’s 100 most powerful women by “Washingtonian Magazine.” Her Irish heritage has also been celebrated, with her being named to “Irish American Magazine’s” Top 100 Irish Americans. Additionally, O’Donnell was honored with the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage for her story “D.C. In Crisis,” which aired the night of the September 11, 2001 attacks on “Dateline NBC.” These accolades reflect her excellence in journalism and her commitment to delivering impactful news stories, all of which enhance her professional reputation and subsequently, her Net Worth.
Personal Life and Family
Norah O’Donnell is married to D.C. restaurateur Geoff Tracy. The couple met as freshmen at Georgetown University and married in June 2001. Together, they have twins Grace and Henry, and a daughter named Riley. Their family life is divided between Washington, D.C., and the Upper West Side in New York City, reflecting O’Donnell’s professional commitments in both locations. In 2010, O’Donnell and Tracy co-authored a cookbook for parents titled “Baby Love: Healthy, Easy, Delicious Meals for Your Baby and Toddler.” The book provided guidance on preparing nutritious meals for young children. While her personal life and family are not direct contributors to her Net Worth, they are an integral part of her overall success and well-being.
