Net Worth Ranker
What Is Willie Geist’s Net Worth?
Willie Geist, a prominent American television personality, has cultivated a successful career in broadcasting, leading to a substantial net worth. As of 2025, Willie Geist’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his long-standing presence and contributions to NBC and MSNBC.
Willie Geist’s Salary and Career Highlights
Willie Geist’s annual salary from NBC is reportedly $5 million. This reflects his significant role in various programs, including “Today” and “Sunday with Willie Geist.” His career began in the late 1990s at CNN Sports Illustrated, where he worked as a producer and editor. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future success in television journalism.
At CNN Sports, Geist covered major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and The Masters. These high-profile assignments provided him with invaluable experience in field production and reporting. He later joined “I, Max” with Max Kellerman on Fox Sports Net, further expanding his expertise in the sports broadcasting arena.
In 2005, Geist transitioned to “The Situation with Tucker Carlson” as a Senior Producer, marking a shift towards political commentary and news analysis. This role allowed him to hone his skills in producing and developing content for a politically-oriented program.
A significant turning point in his career came in 2007 when he began substituting as a co-host on MSNBC’s morning programming. Following Don Imus’s departure, Geist was named the permanent co-host of “Morning Joe” in September 2007, alongside Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. This marked his ascent into the realm of mainstream news and political discussion.
In late 2009, Geist launched his own show, “Way Too Early with Willie Geist,” which aired at 5:30 a.m. on MSNBC. This program, preceding “Morning Joe,” further solidified his presence in morning television and allowed him to develop his unique on-air persona.
Geist’s career trajectory continued to ascend when he became a substitute for Matt Lauer on “The Today Show” in 2010. By 2012, he was named an official co-host of “Today,” also serving as the show’s newsreader. This role expanded his exposure to a broader audience and solidified his position as a key figure in morning television.
In 2016, Geist took on the role of host for “Sunday Today,” which premiered in April of that year. This program provided him with a platform to conduct in-depth interviews with prominent figures and further establish his reputation as a skilled interviewer. In addition to his work on “Sunday Today,” Geist has been a consistent contributor to NBC Sports and NBC News coverage of the Olympic Games since 2010, showcasing his versatility as a broadcaster.
Notably, on June 12, 2016, Geist anchored NBC’s extensive coverage of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting. During this seven-hour NBC News Special Report, Geist provided critical information and analysis to a nationwide audience. His coverage, along with that of “Today,” earned him the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award on August 4, 2019, for similar coverage of the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.
Over the years, Geist has become known for his long-form interviews with celebrities on “Sunday Today.” He also hosts the podcast “Sunday Sitdown,” which features full-length, unedited versions of his TV interviews. In addition to his work in news and sports, Geist has also ventured into entertainment, providing voice work for the character Sum in “Kung Fu Panda 3.” He has also made cameo appearances in various TV shows and films and is a frequent guest on Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens Live” on Bravo.
Willie Geist’s net worth has been significantly impacted by several key career milestones. His role as co-host on “Morning Joe,” his transition to “The Today Show,” and his hosting duties on “Sunday Today” have all contributed to his financial success. His consistent presence on NBC and MSNBC, coupled with his diverse range of projects, has solidified his position as a highly sought-after television personality.
Personal Life and Early Background
Willie Geist was born on May 3, 1975, in Evanston, Illinois, and grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey. His father, Bill Geist, is a retired television journalist and author, and his mother, Jody Geist, is a social worker. Willie is the older brother of Libby Geist Wildes, an Oscar-winning documentary film producer known for “O.J.: Made in America” and “The Last Dance.” Willie’s great-grandfather was Herbie Lewis, a former Detroit Red Wings star and Hockey Hall of Fame player. Geist attended George Washington Middle School in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He was captain of the basketball and football teams in high school and helped his school win the 1991 state football title. He was elected to both New Jersey Boys State and the National Honor Society. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, where he edited the college newspaper, “The Vanderbilt Hustler.”
Willie Geist met his wife, Christina Sharkey, in middle school in Ridgewood, New Jersey. They married on May 24, 2003, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, and have two children, Lucie Joy and George William. Geist is a registered Independent voter and serves on the board of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, reflecting his personal connection to the cause through his father’s condition. He is also a board member at Operation Mend, an organization affiliated with the UCLA Medical Center that provides free surgery and care to severely injured military veterans.
