Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael Savage’s Net Worth?
Michael Savage, the well-known American radio host, author, and political commentator, has amassed a significant net worth throughout his career. As of 2025, Michael Savage’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. This substantial figure reflects his long and successful career in radio broadcasting, authorship, and related ventures. The primary source of Michael Savage’s net worth can be attributed to his nationally syndicated radio program, “The Savage Nation,” along with his numerous published books that promote his brand of “conservative nationalism.”
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Michael Alan Weiner on March 31, 1942, in The Bronx, New York, Savage’s early life experiences played a crucial role in shaping his future career. He graduated from Jamaica High School in 1958 and pursued higher education at Queens College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1963. Following his undergraduate studies, Savage taught high school in New York City for several years.
During this period, he also worked for Timothy Leary, a prominent advocate for psychedelic drugs. Savage was entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the stone gatehouse on the Hitchcock Cattle Company estate, a position he secured specifically because he did not use LSD. Savage later obtained a Ph.D. in nutritional ethnomedicine from the University of California, Berkeley, and master’s degrees in both medical botany and medical anthropology from the University of Hawaii. These diverse educational experiences laid the groundwork for his later career as a radio host and author.
Radio Career and “The Savage Nation”
Michael Savage’s entry into the radio industry occurred in 1994. After facing rejection from publishers for his manuscript on illegal immigration, he created a demo tape featuring a mock radio talk show based on his book’s content. This tape was sent to 250 radio stations across the country in an effort to transition into a career as a radio talk show host.
In March 1994, Savage began his radio career at KGO in San Francisco, filling in for liberal host Ray Taliaferro’s overnight show. His initial slogan, “To the right of Rush and to the left of God,” quickly gained local popularity. Later that year, KGO’s parent company acquired the station and shifted its format to conservative talk. On January 2, 1995, Savage debuted as the host of “The Savage Nation” during the afternoon drive-time slot.
By 1999, Talk Radio Network began syndicating “The Savage Nation” nationally, expanding its reach significantly. In September 2000, the show transitioned to a fully national broadcast. By mid-2006, “The Savage Nation” had garnered an impressive 8 to 10 million listeners per week, positioning it as the third most widely heard broadcast in the country. By 2009, the show was aired on 400 stations across the United States, making it the second most listened-to radio talk show in the nation.
However, in September 2009, Savage’s home market of San Francisco announced the cancellation of his program, replacing it with John and Ken from sister station KFI-AM in Los Angeles. This decision prompted Savage to file a lawsuit to break from his contract. He won the lawsuit on September 27, 2012, leading to the immediate cancellation of the show and requiring Talk Radio Network to find a replacement quickly. As part of the settlement, Michael Savage also secured the rights to his entire archive.
On October 23, 2012, “The Savage Nation” was revived on Cumulus Media Networks, airing in a new time slot from 9:00 P.M. to Midnight ET. The following year, Savage shifted back to afternoon drive hours, replacing Sean Hannity, which sparked a feud between the two hosts. In 2016, Michael Savage was widely credited with influencing Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign, earning him the moniker “The Godfather of Trumpmania.”
In January 2019, “The Savage Nation” was reduced to two hours, with only one hour broadcast on terrestrial radio and the second hour available exclusively as a podcast. In September 2020, Michael Savage announced that he and Westwood One would be withdrawing the radio show from syndication at the end of the year, leaving only the podcast. He cited a gag order as the reason for the change.
At its peak, “The Savage Nation” boasted an audience of nearly 10 million listeners per day and was broadcast on 400 radio stations across the United States, significantly contributing to Michael Savage’s net worth through advertising revenue and syndication fees.
Authorship and Published Works
In addition to his radio career, Michael Savage has written 40 books, including two #1 “New York Times” bestsellers. These books have covered a range of topics, primarily focusing on political and cultural issues. In March 2017, Savage released “Trump’s War: His Battle For America,” which he stated would be his final book in the political sphere. The sales of these books have significantly bolstered Michael Savage’s net worth over the years, generating substantial royalties and revenue. While specific sales figures for each book are not publicly available, the combined impact of 40 published works, including two bestsellers, has undoubtedly contributed millions to his overall wealth.
Real Estate Holdings
Michael Savage’s net worth is also reflected in his real estate portfolio, which includes several mansions across the country. In the Bay Area, he owns at least three properties: two in Marin County and a condominium in San Francisco. He also owns homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and Beverly Hills, California. While the exact addresses and values of these properties are not publicly disclosed, homes in these affluent areas can easily range from several million to tens of millions of dollars, adding significantly to Michael Savage’s net worth.
Family Connections and Wealth
Michael Savage’s family connections have also contributed to his overall wealth. His son, Russ Weiner, is the billionaire founder of Rockstar Energy Drink. Janet Savage, Michael’s wife, was Russ’s earliest investor and served as the company’s CFO. When Pepsi acquired Rockstar for $3.85 billion in March 2020, Russ Weiner’s net worth reached $4 billion, and Janet Savage’s net worth was estimated to be at least $200 million. While Michael Savage’s direct involvement in Rockstar is not specified, the financial success of his wife and son further underscores the affluence of the Savage family.
