Net Worth Ranker
What Is Pauley Perrette’s Net Worth?
Pauley Perrette, renowned for her captivating portrayal of forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the CBS hit series “NCIS” (2003-2018), has amassed a considerable fortune throughout her career. As of 2025, Pauley Perrette’s net worth stands at an estimated $22 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to her successful acting career, particularly her long-standing role on “NCIS,” where she became one of the highest-paid actresses on television.
Pauley Perrette’s “NCIS” Salary and Career Earnings
Perrette’s role as Abby Sciuto on “NCIS” was not only career-defining but also financially rewarding. Over her 15-year tenure on the show, her salary saw significant growth, culminating in a peak earning of $200,000 per episode. Considering the standard network television season typically comprises around 22 episodes, Perrette’s annual income from “NCIS” at her peak reached approximately $4.4 million (22 episodes x $200,000/episode = $4.4 million). It is important to note that this figure does not account for potential bonuses, residuals, or other forms of compensation she may have received. Her $22 million net worth is reflective of not only her salary, but also her investments and other ventures throughout her career.
Prior to her success on “NCIS,” Perrette gained experience through various roles in television and film. She appeared in episodes of popular shows such as “Frasier,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “24.” While these roles may not have commanded the same level of compensation as her later work on “NCIS,” they provided valuable exposure and contributed to her overall career trajectory. She also had roles in films like “Almost Famous” and “The Ring,” further diversifying her acting portfolio.
Following her departure from “NCIS” in 2018, Perrette took on the lead role in the CBS sitcom “Broke” (2020). Although the show was short-lived, lasting only one season, it provided her with another opportunity to showcase her talent and generate income. While the exact details of her salary for “Broke” have not been publicly disclosed, it can be assumed that she received a competitive rate commensurate with her experience and established reputation in the industry.
Early Life, Education, and Career Beginnings
Born on March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Pauley Perrette experienced a nomadic childhood, residing in various states including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, California, New York, New Jersey, South Carolina, and North Carolina. This diverse upbringing may have contributed to her adaptability and open-mindedness, qualities that likely served her well in her acting career.
Perrette’s initial aspirations leaned towards law enforcement, leading her to pursue studies in criminal justice. She attended Valdosta State University in Georgia and later continued her education at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. To support herself during her studies, she held a variety of jobs, including bartending and cooking. It was during this time in New York that she met an advertising agency director, a connection that ultimately led her to Los Angeles and the start of her acting career.
Early in her career, Perrette secured minor roles in television shows such as “Frasier,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Time of Your Life,” and also appeared in films like “Almost Famous” and “The Ring.” Before landing the role of Abby Sciuto, she played a recurring character in “Special Unit 2”. These early roles were instrumental in honing her acting skills and building her professional network, paving the way for her breakthrough on “NCIS.”
Pauley Perrette’s Post-“NCIS” Career and Other Ventures
After leaving “NCIS” in 2018, Pauley Perrette starred in the CBS sitcom “Broke” in 2020. Unfortunately, the show was canceled after only one season, thus she did not have a chance to amass more wealth from the series. The exact salary she was paid per episode is unknown. It is likely she earned a similar amount to what she earned per episode of NCIS.
Perrette has also showcased her talents in various other fields. She has appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and contributed to “America’s Most Wanted.” Additionally, she has ventured into producing and has had her poetry published. Beyond acting, Perrette has also explored her musical talents, formerly serving as the lead singer for the band Lo-Ball, which had a song featured in the “Legally Blonde” soundtrack. She also released several singles over the years. The income she has made from these ventures have not been disclosed. However, they would have added to her wealth.
Personal Life and Activism
Pauley Perrette’s personal life has been marked by both successes and challenges. Her marriage to Coyote Shivers ended in divorce in 2004, and she later obtained a restraining order against him due to alleged abuse. She was later engaged to cameraman Michael Bosman and then to Thomas Arklie, a former British Royal Marine. She has been an advocate for civil rights and has been involved in numerous charitable causes, particularly supporting LGBT rights, civil rights, and anti-bullying programs. Her philanthropic activities, while not directly contributing to her net worth, reflect her commitment to social justice and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Perrette has also spoken about her personal struggles, including being assaulted by homeless men and experiencing physical assaults on the set of “NCIS,” one of which allegedly involved a dog-biting incident. Additionally, she has shared her experience of being raped during high school. These personal hardships have shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for advocacy and activism.
Pauley Perrette’s Investments and Assets
Details regarding Pauley Perrette’s specific investments and assets are not publicly available. However, it can be reasonably assumed that she has diversified her wealth through various investment vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and other financial instruments. Successful actors often invest a portion of their earnings to secure their financial future and generate passive income. Without specific information, it is difficult to quantify the exact contribution of these investments to her overall net worth. A celebrity of her stature is very likely to own real estate. It is highly probable that she owns at least one house in Los Angeles, given the demands of her acting career. However, due to privacy concerns, the details of her real estate holdings are not publicly accessible. Similarly, information about any luxury vehicles she may own is not publicly available. However, high net worth individuals often own a collection of luxury cars. The details of these are also not publicly known.
Net Worth Milestones
While specific year-by-year details of Pauley Perrette’s net worth growth are not publicly available, certain milestones can be inferred based on her career trajectory. Her breakthrough role on “NCIS” in 2003 likely marked a significant turning point in her earning potential. As her salary on the show increased over time, her net worth would have experienced corresponding growth. Her peak earning of $200,000 per episode would have further accelerated this growth. Following her departure from “NCIS” and her subsequent role on “Broke,” her net worth may have experienced some fluctuations depending on the success of those ventures and the performance of her investments. Her announcement of her retirement in 2020 signifies a shift in focus from active income generation to managing her existing wealth and pursuing personal interests.
