Net Worth Ranker
What Is Charles Melton’s Net Worth?
Charles Melton, an American actor and model, has accumulated a net worth of $7 million as of 2025. This valuation is primarily attributed to his successful career in television and film. Melton’s primary income sources include his role as Reggie Mantle on “Riverdale” and his appearances in various films, supplemented by earnings from modeling and potential endorsements. While the exact breakdown of his income from each source isn’t publicly available, his consistent work in the entertainment industry underpins his financial success. His savvy investment in real estate also has increased his total net worth.
Career and Earnings
Melton’s career trajectory provides insights into how he amassed his $7 million net worth. He began his professional journey as a model, working with notable brands like Kenneth Cole and Dolce & Gabbana. These early modeling gigs likely provided a foundational income before his transition to acting. In 2014, Melton made his acting debut with a minor role in the Fox series “Glee.” He continued to build his resume with appearances in “American Horror Story: Hotel” in 2015 and 2016, playing the character Mr. Wu in two episodes. He also appeared in JoJo’s 2016 music video, “Save My Soul.” These roles, although smaller, were crucial in gaining exposure and experience in the acting world.
A significant turning point in Melton’s career came in 2017 when he was cast as Reggie Mantle in “Riverdale.” Initially, the role was played by Ross Butler, but Melton took over starting in season two, with a recurring role before being promoted to a series regular in season three. “Riverdale” has been a consistent source of income for Melton over several years. While the specific salary details for “Riverdale” cast members are not publicly disclosed, lead roles in popular television series typically command substantial salaries, often ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode, depending on the actor’s experience and negotiating power.
In addition to “Riverdale,” Melton has taken on several film roles that have contributed to his net worth. He appeared in the 2018 web film “The Thinning: New World Order.” In 2019, he starred in Ariana Grande’s “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” music video. He also landed a lead role in the feature film “The Sun Is Also a Star,” marking a milestone as the first Asian-American actor to lead a teen romance movie from a major studio. While the box office performance of “The Sun Is Also a Star” was modest, earning $6.8 million domestically, the role significantly raised Melton’s profile and marketability.
Melton continued his film career with a role in the commercially successful “Bad Boys for Life” (2020), which grossed $426.5 million worldwide. Although his role was not a lead, being part of such a high-grossing film undoubtedly contributed to his earnings and increased his visibility. In 2019, Charles and his “Riverdale” co-star Camila Mendes were nominated for an MTV Movie + TV Award for Best Kiss. That same year, he also earned a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Summer Movie Actor for “The Sun Is Also a Star.” These nominations increased his prominence and appeal to audiences.
In 2019, it was announced that Melton had been cast in the drama “Swing” alongside Michael Shannon and Alexander Ludwig. The project’s current status and Melton’s specific earnings from it are not publicly detailed, but such roles contribute to his overall income and net worth. Furthermore, Melton’s modeling career has continued alongside his acting endeavors. While the specific details of his modeling contracts and earnings are private, modeling for well-known brands can provide a steady stream of income. Although the exact amount of income derived from these modeling ventures is not publicly accessible, it is probable that such activities constitute a consistent financial support.
Real Estate Investments
In November 2021, Charles Melton expanded his asset portfolio by purchasing a home in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles for $3 million. Silver Lake is known for its stylish residences and celebrity residents, making it a prime location for real estate investment. The specifics of the property, such as its square footage, number of bedrooms, and unique features, are not entirely detailed in public records, but purchasing property in this location shows good taste and financial responsibility. Real estate holdings generally contribute to an individual’s net worth through appreciation in value over time, and rental income if the property is leased out. However, there are no further details available regarding Charles Melton’s Silver Lake property.
Philanthropic Activities and Endorsements
Charles Melton’s role as a Special Olympics Global Ambassador enhances his public image, potentially opening doors for endorsement opportunities and further increasing his net worth. While specific endorsement deals are not detailed, celebrity endorsements can add significantly to an actor’s income. Melton has also teamed up with Purina ONE to promote pet adoption, showcasing his commitment to social causes. Although this collaboration’s specific financial terms are not disclosed, such partnerships often involve fees or charitable donations that indirectly benefit the celebrity’s financial standing through increased visibility and goodwill. In 2019, he hosted an advanced screening of “The Sun Is Also a Star” for students from the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. This increased positive awareness of Melton.
Early Life and Education
Charles Melton was born on January 4, 1991, in Juneau, Alaska. His mother, Sukyong, is Korean, and his father, Phil, is American. Phil met Sukyong when he was stationed in Korea during his time in the Army, and she emigrated to the U.S. with him in 1990. Charles has two younger sisters, Patricia and Tammie, and they grew up on military bases, including Fort Hood (Texas), Camp Humphreys (South Korea), and Stork Barracks (Germany). This experience of growing up in multiple locations likely taught Charles adaptability and resilience, qualities that have been beneficial in his career. After the family settled in Manhattan, Kansas, Melton attended Manhattan High School, where he graduated in 2009. Melton’s diverse background and experiences have shaped his perspective and approach to his career.
Following high school, Melton enrolled at Kansas State University. He was a defensive back on the Kansas State Wildcats football team, showcasing his athletic abilities. However, at age 20, Charles left school and moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. This decision, while risky, ultimately paid off as he found success in the entertainment industry. While his time in college was relatively short, it provided him with valuable experiences and a foundation for his future endeavors. The courage to leave college and pursue acting reflects his dedication and determination, characteristics that have contributed to his net worth. His athletic background also equipped him with discipline and a competitive edge, beneficial qualities in the entertainment industry.
