Overview

Timothy Robert DeKay, born on June 12, 1963, is an American actor, director, and producer. He grew up in Lansing, New York, and was an athletic student, participating in basketball and baseball. DeKay pursued higher education at Le Moyne College, earning a BS in Business Administration, and later obtained an MFA from Rutgers University. DeKay’s acting career began in the mid-1990s with appearances in television series like ‘SeaQuest 2032’. He gained recognition for his role as Dr. Paul Thomas in ‘Party of Five’ (1997-1999) and as Clayton “Jonesy” Jones in ‘Carnivale’ (2003-2005). DeKay has also made guest appearances in numerous TV shows, including ‘Seinfeld’, ‘Friends’, ‘CSI’, ‘NCIS’ and many others. Since 2009, he has starred as FBI Agent Peter Burke in the USA Network series ‘White Collar’.

What Is Tim DeKay Net Worth?

Tim DeKay, a multifaceted American actor, director, and producer, has cultivated a successful career in the entertainment industry. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $3 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his consistent work in television and film, encompassing acting roles, directing opportunities, and production credits. While precise details regarding the breakdown of his assets, such as specific real estate holdings, investment portfolios, or endorsement deals, are not publicly available, his career trajectory offers insights into the sources contributing to his wealth.

Early Career and Television Success

Born in Ithaca, New York, in June 1963, Tim DeKay’s journey into acting began with a strong academic foundation. He earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from Rutgers University, a prestigious institution known for its robust theater program. This formal training provided him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the competitive world of professional acting. His early career saw him secure roles in various television series, starting with “SeaQuest 2032” from 1995 to 1996. These initial appearances, while perhaps not significantly impacting his immediate net worth, were crucial stepping stones in building his resume and gaining valuable experience in the industry. A significant role came from 1997 to 1999 when DeKay portrayed Dr. Paul Thomas in “Party of Five,” a popular television series of that time. This role provided increased visibility and likely contributed to a steady income stream during those years.

DeKay’s career continued to gain momentum with his starring role as Clayton “Jonesy” Jones in the HBO television series “Carnivale” from 2003 to 2005. “Carnivale”, known for its unique and captivating storylines, further enhanced DeKay’s reputation as a versatile actor, capable of handling complex and challenging roles. The financial compensation for his work in “Carnivale” would have contributed to his growing net worth. However, the specific salary details for his role in “Carnivale” are not publicly accessible. In 2009, DeKay secured what is arguably his most recognizable role to date: Peter Burke in the USA Network television series “White Collar.” This role became the cornerstone of his financial success. “White Collar” ran for six seasons, providing DeKay with a consistent and substantial income stream over several years. While the exact per-episode salary for DeKay on “White Collar” is not public knowledge, leading roles in successful network television series typically command salaries ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode. Given the popularity of “White Collar,” it is reasonable to assume that DeKay’s compensation fell within this range, significantly contributing to his $3 million net worth.

Beyond his starring roles, Tim DeKay has accumulated numerous guest appearances on a wide array of television shows. These appearances, while often shorter in duration than starring roles, can still provide valuable income and contribute to overall career stability. Some of the notable television series in which DeKay has made guest appearances include “Seinfeld,” “Grace Under Fire,” “Touched by an Angel,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Ellen,” “Caroline in the City,” “The Practice,” “Sports Night,” “Ally McBeal,” “Friends,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Without a Trace,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Cold Case,” “Numb3rs,” “NCIS,” “CSI: Miami,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Scrubs,” “Law & Order: LA,” “Chuck,” “Body of Proof,” and “Revenge.” The cumulative income from these various guest appearances has undoubtedly played a role in building Tim DeKay net worth. The financial compensation for guest appearances can vary widely depending on the actor’s experience, the popularity of the show, and the length of the role. While the exact amounts earned from each of these guest appearances are not available, they collectively represent a significant source of income for DeKay throughout his career.

Film Roles and Directorial Ventures

In addition to his extensive television work, Tim DeKay has also appeared in several films, further contributing to his overall income and net worth. While his film roles may not have been as consistently high-profile as his television work, they have nonetheless added to his career earnings and provided opportunities to showcase his acting talent in different mediums. Some of the films in which DeKay has appeared include “If These Walls Could Talk,” “Invasion,” “Almost Heroes,” “The Crow: Salvation,” “Swordfish,” “The Chumscrubber,” and “Get Smart.” The financial compensation for film roles can vary significantly depending on the size and scope of the project, the actor’s role, and their star power. While specific salary details for DeKay’s film roles are not publicly available, these roles would have contributed to his overall income and net worth. In recent years, DeKay has also expanded his career into directing, which represents another potential avenue for income generation. While specific details regarding his directorial projects and associated earnings are not publicly available, directing can be a lucrative career path for established actors, providing additional income streams and opportunities for creative expression. In addition to acting and directing, DeKay has also worked as a producer, which could include television shows, films, or theatrical productions. Acting, directing, and producing are sources of revenue and factors that could contribute to Tim DeKay net worth.

Real Estate and Investments

While specific details about Tim DeKay’s real estate holdings and investment portfolios are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he has diversified his assets to ensure long-term financial security. Real estate is a common investment strategy for high-net-worth individuals, providing potential for appreciation and rental income. Depending on the location and size of the property, owning real estate could be a lucrative investment that could contribute to Tim DeKay net worth. Similarly, investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other financial instruments is a common strategy for wealth management. By diversifying his investments, DeKay can mitigate risk and potentially generate additional income over time. Additionally, it’s possible DeKay has invested in private business ventures, the details of which are not publicly available.

It is also possible that Tim DeKay has made strategic investments in various sectors, such as technology, real estate, or entertainment. These investments could generate additional income through dividends, capital appreciation, or other forms of returns. Furthermore, DeKay may have established trusts or other financial vehicles to manage his assets and ensure their protection for future generations. Due to privacy considerations, the specific details of these arrangements are typically not disclosed to the public. While the exact composition of his investment portfolio remains private, it is likely that DeKay has taken steps to ensure his long-term financial stability through prudent investment strategies.

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