Megyn Kelly Net Worth: A Deep Dive into Her Career, Wealth, and Personal Life
From Fox News Powerhouse to Independent Media Mogul – How Megyn Kelly Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire
Megyn Kelly’s estimated net worth is $45 million, built through her decades-long career in journalism, law, and television. Known for her fearless on-air persona, Kelly rose to fame at Fox News, secured a multi-million dollar deal with NBC, and now thrives as an independent media personality. Her earnings come from high-profile media roles, bestselling books, and a top-ranking podcast, making her one of the most financially successful figures in American broadcast journalism.
Early Life and Education
Born November 18, 1970, in Champaign, Illinois, Megyn Marie Kelly grew up in a middle-class family. Her father, Edward Kelly, was a college professor, and her mother, Linda, worked as a nurse. After the tragic loss of her father when she was just 15, Megyn’s resilience and drive were shaped early on.
She graduated from Syracuse University with a Political Science degree and earned her Juris Doctor from Albany Law School. Kelly began her professional journey not in media but in law.
From Courtroom to Newsroom
Before becoming a media icon, Kelly worked as a corporate litigator for nine years. Her transition to journalism began in 2003 when she started working for a local ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C.
Her legal knowledge, coupled with poise and clarity on camera, quickly caught the attention of major news outlets. It didn’t take long before Fox News offered her a position.
The Fox News Era: National Spotlight and Big Money
Megyn Kelly’s career skyrocketed when she joined Fox News in 2004. She became a household name with her sharp interviews and commanding on-screen presence. Her show, The Kelly File, aired during prime time and consistently ranked among the highest-rated programs on the network.
- Annual Salary at Fox News: She earned approximately $8 million annually at her peak.
- Notable Coverage includes the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Presidential elections and the infamous 2016 GOP Debate, in which she challenged Donald Trump.
Her fearless journalistic style earned praise and criticism, but it significantly elevated her public profile and income.
The NBC Contract: Bold Move, Big Paycheck
2017 Kelly left Fox News for NBC in a high-profile career move. The network signed her to a three-year contract reportedly worth $69 million, one of the most lucrative media contracts.
At NBC, she hosted “Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly” and a daytime program, “Megyn Kelly Today.” However, her time at NBC was short-lived. Amid controversial moments and shifting ratings, she departed the network in 2019.
Despite the premature exit, reports suggest she walked away with most, if not all, of her contractual payout.
Going Independent: Building Her Own Media Brand
After leaving NBC, Megyn Kelly shifted toward independent media, launching her podcast, “The Megyn Kelly Show.” The podcast has grown into a high-ranking platform, tackling politics, culture, and hot-button issues with uncensored commentary.
Her move to independence proved not only creatively liberating but also financially rewarding—Unlike traditional media salaries, dependent ventures entirely own branding, monetization, and sponsorships,
Kelly now controls:
- Her podcast
- YouTube Channel
- Media consulting opportunities
- Paid speaking engagements
- Book royalties
Megyn Kelly Net Worth: A Breakdown
As of 2025, Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated at $45 million. Here’s a breakdown of how she built her wealth:
SourceEstimated Contribution
Fox News Salary $25+ million
NBC Contract $69 million deal (major payout)
Podcast & Digital Media $5+ million (and growing)
Book Sales (Settle for More) $2 million+
Sponsorships & Speaking $1–2 million per year
Her financial trajectory reflects a brilliant mix of media success and entrepreneurial thinking.
Personal Life and Family
Megyn Kelly married Douglas Brunt, a novelist and former tech CEO, in 2008. The couple shares three children: Yates, Yardley, and Thatcher.
Brunt has been a supportive partner, especially during Kelly’s transitions between significant networks and into podcasting. They are known for keeping their family life relatively private but occasionally share glimpses of their home life through interviews and social media.
Siblings and Childhood Influence
Megyn is the youngest of three siblings. While her brother and sister maintain low public profiles, Kelly has occasionally credited her tight-knit family and early experiences—especially her father’s untimely death—with shaping her determination and confidence.
Lifestyle and Public Image
Kelly is known for maintaining a balanced and grounded lifestyle despite her fame and fortune. She resides with her family in Rye, New York, and leads a life focused on fitness, parenting, and purpose-driven work.
- Health & Fitness: She runs regularly and follows a clean diet.
- Fashion: Known for her sleek, powerful wardrobe style on-air.
- Public Engagements: Frequently appears at speaking events and conferences.
- Philanthropy: Involved in children’s welfare and women’s empowerment issues.
Social Media and Online Presence
Megyn Kelly has built a strong presence on digital platforms, extending her reach beyond traditional media:
- Instagram: Over 650,000 followers
- X (formerly Twitter): 2.6 million+ followers
- YouTube: 2 million+ subscribers
- Podcast: Top-ranking on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Her content now includes long-form interviews, opinion pieces, and political commentary – all without the constraints of a corporate news structure.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Kelly has received multiple accolades and distinctions:
- TIME 100 Most Influential People (2014)
- Numerous appearances on Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women in Media” list
- New York Times bestselling author (Settle for More)
Controversies and Comebacks
Megyn Kelly’s career hasn’t been without controversy. From challenging political figures live on-air to public backlash over racially insensitive comments, she has faced intense scrutiny. However, she has bounced back stronger each time, demonstrating her resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing media landscape.
Her ability to reinvent herself has kept her relevant and influential.
What Sets Megyn Kelly Apart?
What makes Megyn Kelly’s net worth story so compelling isn’t just the number — it’s her journey:
- She pivoted from law to journalism successfully.
- She navigated mainstream media politics with confidence.
- She took bold risks, including going independent.
- She now runs a self-made media brand with total creative control.
Her success reflects calculated risk-taking, a fearless voice, and strategic career decisions.
Conclusion
Megyn Kelly is not just a media personality—she’s a brand, a businesswoman, and a bold voice in American journalism. From the courtroom to cable news and now to independent digital success, her journey illustrates how intelligence, timing, and fearless ambition can pave the way to financial and professional freedom.
Stay informed and inspired by media moguls like Megyn Kelly—where passion meets purpose and power.
FAQs
1. How did Megyn Kelly make her fortune?
Megyn Kelly built her wealth through top-tier news roles at Fox News and NBC, book deals, podcasting, and media consulting.
2. What is Megyn Kelly doing now?
She currently runs The Megyn Kelly Show, a successful podcast and YouTube channel on which she discusses politics and culture and interviews high-profile guests.
3. Was Megyn Kelly a lawyer before journalism?
Yes, she worked as a corporate lawyer for nearly a decade before transitioning into broadcast journalism in 2003.
4. How much did NBC pay Megyn Kelly?
Her NBC contract was reportedly worth around $69 million over three years, making her one of the highest-paid news anchors at the time.
5. Is Megyn Kelly active on social media?
Absolutely. She has millions of followers across Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube, where she regularly posts content and engages with her audience.
