Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ellie Kemper’s Net Worth?
Ellie Kemper, a multifaceted American actress, comedian, and writer, has cultivated a substantial career in the entertainment industry, resulting in an estimated net worth of $12 million. Her financial standing is a culmination of earnings from television roles, film appearances, writing endeavors, and strategic real estate investments. Kemper’s journey to financial success began with her early forays into improv and sketch comedy, laying the groundwork for her subsequent achievements in mainstream media.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Kemper’s career trajectory gained significant momentum with her role as Kelly Erin Hannon in NBC’s “The Office.” Joining the cast in 2009, she quickly became a fan favorite, appearing in over 100 episodes and several web series associated with the show, including “Subtle Sexuality,” “The Mentor,” and “The Girl Next Door.” While specific salary details for her role in “The Office” are not publicly disclosed, it’s plausible that her earnings increased over time as her character gained prominence and the show maintained its popularity. This role significantly boosted her visibility and opened doors to further opportunities. Prior to “The Office,” Ellie earned her Screen Actors Guild card after appearing in a 2006 Kmart commercial that involved a tarantula crawling across her face. While the exact payment for this commercial is not available, it marked an early step in her professional acting career.
Kemper’s career reached a pivotal point when she secured the lead role in the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. The show’s success and her critically acclaimed performance earned her multiple Emmy nominations, solidifying her status as a leading comedic talent. Details regarding her salary per episode for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” have not been officially released. However, considering the show’s popularity and her leading role, it’s reasonable to assume that she commanded a significant salary, potentially ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 per episode, or even higher as the series progressed and after the success of the first season. Given that the series comprises 51 episodes and a 2020 interactive special, her total earnings from “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” could be substantial, contributing significantly to her overall net worth.
Film Appearances and Voice Acting
Beyond her television work, Ellie Kemper has appeared in several films, further augmenting her income. Her role in the blockbuster comedy “Bridesmaids” (2011), which grossed $288.4 million at the box office and earned a Golden Globe nomination, marked a significant milestone in her film career. While her specific salary for “Bridesmaids” is not publicly known, the film’s success likely provided her with increased leverage for future roles. Other notable film appearances include “21 Jump Street” (2012), “Get Him to the Greek” (2010), and “Somewhere” (2010), although specific salary details for these roles are not available. In the animated film sphere, Kemper voiced Katie in “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016) and its sequel “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (2019), both of which were box office successes, grossing $875.5 million and $434 million worldwide, respectively. Voice acting roles can be lucrative, with established actors earning substantial fees for their contributions. While the exact amount Kemper earned for these voice acting roles remains undisclosed, it is likely to have been a significant addition to her income.
Writing and Other Ventures
Ellie Kemper has also ventured into writing, further diversifying her income streams. She is the author of the memoir “My Squirrel Days,” published in 2018. Book deals can provide authors with advances and royalties based on sales, although the specific financial details of Kemper’s book deal are not publicly available. In addition to her memoir, she has contributed to publications like The New Yorker, earning fees for her writing contributions. Kemper’s diverse portfolio of television, film, voice acting, and writing roles demonstrates her ability to capitalize on various opportunities in the entertainment industry, contributing to her financial success.
Real Estate Investments
Ellie Kemper and her husband, Michael Koman, have made strategic real estate investments, further contributing to their net worth. In 2016, they purchased a pre-war co-op on the Upper West Side of New York City for $2.8 million. This property, featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms, was listed for sale in April 2022 for $2.875 million. While the ultimate sale price remains undisclosed, it suggests a potential modest appreciation in value. Additionally, in late 2021, the couple acquired an apartment in New York City for $7.8 million. This unit, boasting 60 feet of direct frontage views onto Central Park, was listed for sale in April 2025 for $7.5 million. The listing at a slightly lower price than the purchase price may be due to market fluctuations or other factors. However, these real estate transactions provide valuable insights into Kemper and Koman’s investment strategies. The listing price offers a glimpse into the potential value of their real estate holdings, contributing to their overall financial picture.
Personal Life and Relationships
Ellie Kemper married comedy writer Michael Koman on July 7, 2012. Koman has written for “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Colbert Report,” and “Saturday Night Live.” While Koman’s individual net worth is separate from Kemper’s, their marriage represents a union of two successful individuals in the entertainment industry. Kemper and Koman have two sons, James, born in July 2016, and Matthew, born in September 2019. The costs associated with raising a family, including education, healthcare, and childcare, can be significant, but Kemper’s financial success enables her to provide for her family’s needs and future.
Awards and Recognition
Ellie Kemper’s talent and hard work have been recognized through numerous awards and nominations. She received Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” in 2016 and 2017. While these nominations did not result in wins, they significantly elevated her profile within the industry and likely contributed to increased opportunities and earning potential. The series also earned her a Gracie Allen Award and a Webby Award, further solidifying her reputation as a leading comedic actress. Additionally, Kemper received Screen Actors Guild Award nominations as a member of “The Office” and “Bridesmaids” casts, acknowledging her contributions to these successful ensemble projects. The “Bridesmaids” cast also won an MTV Movie Award for Best Gut-Wrenching Performance and ensemble awards from various film critic organizations. These accolades not only recognize Kemper’s talent but also enhance her marketability and bargaining power in future negotiations.
