Net Worth Ranker
What Is Derek Hough’s Net Worth?
Derek Hough, a multifaceted talent known for his prowess as a professional dancer, choreographer, singer, and actor, has accumulated a net worth of $8 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career across various entertainment sectors, with significant contributions from his time on “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) and other ventures.
Derek Hough’s Career Highlights and Earnings
Hough’s rise to prominence is largely attributed to his role on “Dancing with the Stars,” where he first appeared in 2007. He holds the record for the most wins, securing the coveted Mirrorball Trophy six times with celebrity partners such as Brooke Burke (Season 7), Nicole Scherzinger (Season 10), Jennifer Grey (Season 11), Kellie Pickler (Season 16), Amber Riley (Season 17), and Bindi Irwin (Season 21). The specific salary details for his early seasons on “DWTS” are not publicly available, but it’s known that professional dancers on the show receive a base salary per episode, which increases as the season progresses and they remain in the competition. This income is supplemented by additional revenue from choreography work, endorsement deals, and other opportunities that arise from their exposure on the show. As his popularity grew, Hough’s earnings from “DWTS” likely increased substantially.
Beyond “Dancing with the Stars,” Derek Hough’s net worth has been significantly influenced by his diverse range of activities. He secured two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography for his work on “DWTS” in 2013 and 2015, underscoring his exceptional talent and contribution to the show. While the exact financial compensation for these awards is not publicly disclosed, they undoubtedly enhanced his reputation and marketability, leading to further opportunities. Hough has also ventured into acting, with roles in productions like “Make Your Move” (2013) and NBC’s “Hairspray Live!” (2016). Although specific salary figures for these roles are not available, they contributed to his overall income. His stage performances, including a lead role in “Singin’ in the Rain” on London’s West End, added to his earnings, although details of his compensation remain private. In 2020, Hough transitioned from being a professional dancer on “DWTS” to a judge, replacing Len Goodman. While the exact salary for his role as a judge has not been publicly released, it is estimated to be a substantial amount, reflecting his status and expertise in the field.
In May 2014, Derek and his sister Julianne Hough launched “Move Live on Tour,” a sold-out summer tour that spanned 40 cities across the US and Canada. The tour showcased their singing and dancing talents and contributed significantly to their income. Although the exact revenue generated from the tour is not publicly available, the fact that it was sold-out indicates a substantial financial gain. The success of “Move Live on Tour” led to a reprisal in 2015, further boosting their earnings. Additionally, Derek and Julianne hosted free fitness pop-up events throughout Los Angeles, which helped to promote their brand and attract new fans. Hough’s involvement in music videos has also contributed to his net worth. He made a cameo appearance in the video for his sister’s single “That Song in My Head” (2008) and was the principal male in the video for Kate Voegele’s “99 Times” (2009). He also danced in the videos for Cheryl’s “Parachute” and Kellie Pickler’s “Someone Somewhere Tonight.” In addition to appearing in music videos, Hough has also directed videos for Mark Ballas’ “Get My Name” and his own single, “Hold On.” His choreography credits include Michael Bublé’s “I Believe in You” and Lindsey Stirling’s “The Arena” and “Between Twilight.” While the exact earnings from these music video projects are not publicly known, they have undoubtedly added to his overall income and enhanced his reputation as a versatile entertainer. In 2002, Hough won the WDSF World Latin Championship, and in 2003, he claimed the Blackpool U-21 Latin title with Aneta Piotrowska. Although these achievements did not directly translate into monetary earnings, they provided him with valuable recognition and credibility, which helped him to advance his career in the dance industry.
Early Career and Training
Born on May 17, 1985, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Derek Hough’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. At the age of 12, during his parents’ divorce, he was sent to London to live and study with dance coaches Shirley and Corky Ballas. This pivotal decision exposed him to intensive training in song, dance, theater, and gymnastics at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. While the specific costs associated with his education and training in London are not publicly available, the investment undoubtedly played a crucial role in honing his skills and preparing him for a professional career in entertainment. With his sister Julianne and the Ballas’ son Mark, Derek formed the pop music trio 2B1G and performed at dance competitions across the UK and the US. Although 2B1G did not achieve mainstream success, the experience provided Derek with valuable performance experience and exposure to the music industry. Specific details about the group’s earnings and record sales are not publicly available.
“Dancing with the Stars” Performances and Impact
Derek Hough’s “Dancing with the Stars” journey began in 2007 during Season 4, where he appeared as a guest instructor alongside his sister Julianne and speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno. In Season 5, he joined the cast of professional instructors and was paired with actress Jennie Garth, finishing in fourth place. In Season 6, he partnered with actress Shannon Elizabeth, finishing in sixth place. His breakthrough came in Season 7 when he partnered with model and television host Brooke Burke, with whom he won the season. While the specific financial rewards for winning “Dancing with the Stars” are not publicly disclosed, it is known that the professional dancers receive a bonus for each week they remain in the competition, and the winners receive a larger bonus. Hough’s win with Brooke Burke significantly enhanced his reputation and marketability, leading to increased opportunities and earnings. Over his seasons on “Dancing with the Stars,” Hough was nominated for nine Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography, winning twice. These awards recognized his exceptional talent and contribution to the show, further enhancing his reputation and marketability. In 2014, Hough worked with ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White on their short dance program routine for the Winter Olympics in Sochi. The pair went on to win the gold medal, becoming the first Americans to claim the title. Hough’s involvement in their success further solidified his reputation as a talented choreographer and performer.
Stage and Screen Acting Roles
Derek Hough’s net worth has also been influenced by his various stage and screen acting roles. He played the leading role in “Jesus Christ Superstar” and danced in the company in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” In 2006, he starred as Ren in the West End premiere of “Footloose: The Musical,” a role he continued on the UK national tour. In 2010, Derek made his Broadway debut in the final four performances of “Burn the Floor,” starring alongside Mary Murphy and Kym Johnson. In 2015, Hough appeared in the “New York Spring Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall. While the specific salary figures for these stage performances are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contributed to his overall income. On film, Derek made cameo appearances in 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and 2012’s “Rock of Ages.” In 2014, he had his first starring role in the South Korean-American dance film “Make Your Move.” On television, Hough played a dance instructor in an episode of ABC’s “Better with You.” From 2014 to 2016, he had a recurring role as Noah West on the musical drama series “Nashville.” Derek also guest-starred on “Jane the Virgin,” was in the NBC live musical “Hairspray Live!,” and had a recurring role on the second season of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” Additionally, from 2017 to 2020, he served as a judge on NBC’s dance competition show “World of Dance.” Although specific salary figures for these television roles are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contributed to his overall income and net worth.
Personal Life and Marital Status
Since 2015, Derek Hough has been in a relationship with former “Dancing with the Stars” castmate Hayley Erbert. They married on August 26, 2023. This personal milestone has not directly impacted his net worth, but it highlights his personal life and relationships.
