Net Worth Ranker
What Is Steve Wilkos’ Net Worth?
Steve Wilkos, an American television personality and host, has accumulated a net worth of $8 million. This valuation reflects his career in television, starting with his role in security and eventually leading to hosting his own show.
Early Career and Transition to Television
Steven John Wilkos was born on March 9, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois. His early life included a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 1982, where he served for seven years. In early 1990, Wilkos transitioned to the Chicago Police Department, where he worked until 2004. This background in law enforcement would later heavily influence his television career.
Wilkos’s entry into television began in 1994 through a connection with “The Jerry Springer Show.” Initially, he provided security for an episode involving the Klu Klux Klan. His involvement with the show deepened, and he became a regular security figure, eventually recruiting other police officers to assist with security during tapings. By 2001, Wilkos was working full-time for “The Jerry Springer Show.” During his time on “The Jerry Springer Show,” Wilkos suffered two injuries. He fell off the stage and slammed his jaw on the ground, and he once tore a muscle in his groin. The transition from law enforcement to television security provided a controlled environment compared to the unpredictable nature of police work.
During a break from taping the show, Wilkos had a brief stint as a professional wrestler with the Maryland Wrestling Championship. In 2002, he made his debut in the wrestling ring and teamed up with professional lightweight wrestler Gillberg to fight Dino Divine & Chad Bowman. Wilkos and Gillberg won the match. While working on “The Jerry Springer Show,” Wilkos made guest appearances on television shows such as “The Roseanne Show,” the restaurant-reviewing series “Check, Please!,” the game show “Identity,” and “Maury.” Additionally, he was featured in the 2002 television documentary “When Jerry Springer Ruled the World.”
In 2006, Springer competed in “Dancing for the Stars,” and he asked Wilkos to stand in for him as the show’s host. Springer later recruited Wilkos to substitute for him once a week. He has also made cameo appearances on the MLB Network, on the television shows “Between Brothers,” “The Wayne Bros.,” and in the film “Austin Powers the Spy Who Shagged Me.” These early appearances on television boosted Steve Wilkos’s visibility, setting the stage for his own show.
The Launch of “The Steve Wilkos Show” and Subsequent Earnings
In 2007, Steve Wilkos transitioned from “The Jerry Springer Show” to host his own tabloid talk show, “The Steve Wilkos Show.” The concept for the show arose from a popular segment on “The Jerry Springer Show” called “Steve to the Rescue.” NBC producers picked up the idea, leading to the creation of “The Steve Wilkos Show.” The show adopts a more serious tone than “The Jerry Springer Show,” focusing on criminal justice issues and personal disputes. Each episode delves into specific crimes or issues, featuring individuals as both victims and perpetrators, and those claiming wrongful accusation.
Notably, Wilkos implements a unique practice on his show: barring individuals accused of serious crimes from sitting in chairs, reflecting his stance on their actions. He often expresses his anger by throwing chairs when particularly aggravated. After the first season, Wilkos broadened the show’s topics to include infidelity and paternity issues, introducing a lighter tone with jokes directed at both himself and the guests. In March 2024, “The Steve Wilkos Show” was renewed for its 18th season, maintaining consistent ratings and syndication.
The continued success and renewal of “The Steve Wilkos Show” has been a significant factor in maintaining and growing Steve Wilkos’s net worth, although specific contract details and per-episode earnings are not publicly available. His net worth of $8 million primarily reflects his earnings as a television host and personality.
Personal Life and Real Estate Investments
Steve Wilkos has been married three times. His first marriage was to Rosae Wilkos from 1985 to 1987. His second marriage was to Hannah Wilkos in 1999, and they were divorced within a year. In 2000, he married Rachelle Consiglio, who worked as an executive producer for “The Jerry Springer Show.” They have two children and live in Darien, Connecticut. They also own a home in Camp Lake, Wisconsin. In January 2018, Wilkos was involved in a rollover car accident near his home and was suspected of drunk driving. The Darien police department obtained a warrant for a blood sample, and his blood alcohol level was .29. He was subsequently arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Steve asked the judge for an alternative punishment that would result in the charges being dismissed once he had completed the mandated education and treatment program.
Steve Wilkos owns real estate in both Connecticut and Wisconsin. In 2009, he purchased a home in Darien, Connecticut, for $1.9 million. In 2008, he acquired a vacation home in Camp Lake, Wisconsin, for $543,000. These real estate investments contribute to his overall asset portfolio, impacting his Steve Wilkos’s net worth.
The Darien, Connecticut property, purchased for $1.9 million, serves as his primary residence. While specific details such as the square footage, number of rooms, or specific amenities are not publicly available, high-value homes in Darien typically feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, large living spaces, and landscaped yards. Similarly, the Camp Lake, Wisconsin property, acquired for $543,000, likely functions as a vacation home. Such properties in Wisconsin often include features like lake access, outdoor recreational space, and accommodations for family and guests.
