Steve Doocy Salary: Inside Look at Fox & Friends Host's Actual Pay

Steve Doocy's salary reports show the Fox & Friends co-host makes about $4 million yearly at the network. This impressive figure ranks him among the highest-paid personalities in morning television. His net worth stands at $14 million, which has grown substantially from $2 million back in 2012.

The co-anchor of Fox & Friends has been a familiar face on American morning television since he joined Fox News Channel in 1998. His yearly earnings reflect both his time at the network and viewer popularity. His income has grown through several New York Times best-selling cookbooks.

Steve Doocy's total earnings come from both his Fox News salary and these successful ventures. Let's get into his yearly income and the career path that led to his financial success.

Steve Doocy’s Actual Salary at Fox News

Steve Doocy's substantial salary at Fox News shows his value to the network. Let's get into what the "Fox & Friends" co-host earns and how his pay stacks up in broadcast media.

How much does Steve Doocy make a year?

Fox News Channel doesn't publicly share Steve Doocy's exact annual salary. Industry reports suggest he takes home about $4 million yearly as co-host of "Fox & Friends." This puts his earnings near the top among cable news morning show hosts.

His 27-year-old relationship with Fox News since 1996 and his role as an original "Fox & Friends" co-host since 1998 justify his pay package. The show dominates morning cable news ratings, and Doocy's steady presence has helped it stay on top.

Networks pay morning show hosts premium salaries because these shows bring in serious revenue. Doocy's worth to Fox News goes beyond his on-air role – he's become one of the network's most recognizable faces over the years.

Steve Doocy Fox News salary vs industry average

Doocy's reported $4 million yearly salary towers over what an average news anchor makes. Local news anchors earn between $75,000 and $500,000 based on their market size, while national network anchors earn way more.

Top morning show hosts at major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS can pull in $8-20 million yearly.

To name just one example, see these figures:

• Robin Roberts (Good Morning America): About $18 million
• Savannah Guthrie (Today): About $8 million
• Gayle King (CBS Mornings): About $11 million

At Fox News, Doocy's salary puts him in the network's upper-middle tier. While he doesn't match primetime hosts like Sean Hannity ($40 million yearly) or Tucker Carlson (previously $20 million), he earns more than many daytime and weekend anchors.

Fox News values its morning programming block highly. This explains Doocy's $4 million salary, which reflects "Fox & Friends'" impact on political conversations and its dedicated viewership.

Recent updates on his annual pay

Fox News keeps talent contract details private, but they usually review these agreements every few years. TV personalities at Doocy's level typically sign multi-year contracts with yearly raises based on inflation and performance.

Doocy has likely negotiated several raises during his 25+ years at Fox News. TV personalities usually receive additional perks:

• Ratings-based performance bonuses
• Special event appearance fees
• Promotional deals
• Equity or profit-sharing options

Fox News Channel stays highly profitable despite recent industry-wide cost-cutting. Doocy's role as a veteran morning show host who delivers strong ratings makes him valuable to the network.

His steady career at Fox News points to job security and consistent income growth, especially since "Fox & Friends" remains the most-watched cable news morning show.

Career Journey That Built His Salary

Steve Doocy's experience from small-town journalism to becoming one of cable news's highest-paid personalities shows how a strategic career path helped him earn his impressive $4 million annual salary. The Fox & Friends veteran built his worth through decades of TV experience. He steadily rose to more prestigious roles before landing his long-term position at Fox News Channel.

Early journalism roles and local TV

Born in Algona, Iowa in 1956, Doocy started his media career with humble roots in America's heartland. He studied journalism at the University of Kansas and worked at the campus radio station KJHK. His professional career began at local television stations. He learned about the industry while working at TV stations in Topeka, Des Moines, Wichita, and Kansas City.

He got his big break in 1984 with a position as a features reporter for WRC-TV (NBC) in Washington, DC. At WRC, he created lighthearted segments called "Steve Doocy's World" that ran after news broadcasts. These early roles shaped his on-camera presence and unique personality that would later earn him premium pay.

His career took off when he started hosting national programs:

• NBC's nationally syndicated program "House Party with Steve Doocy" (1989-1990)
• FOX's children's newsmagazine "Not Just News"
• "Wake Up America" on NBC's America's Talking channel (1994)

By 1996, he became the anchor of the morning newscast on WCBS-TV, CBS's flagship station in New York City. Each career move helped him build TV expertise and audience recognition that ended up bringing significant earning power.

Joining Fox News in 1996

His connection with Roger Ailes changed his career path completely. After working with Ailes at America's Talking channel, he moved to the newly formed Fox News Channel in 1996. Rupert Murdoch hired Ailes to launch Fox News, and Ailes brought several America's Talking talents with him, including Doocy.

The network first hired him as a weather reporter – similar to his early role in Topeka. Doocy quickly showed his value to the new network. This smart move to join Fox News at its start proved financially wise, as he got in on the ground floor of what would become one of TV's most profitable networks.

Rise to co-hosting Fox & Friends

Doocy became one of the original co-hosts of "Fox & Friends" in 1998, just two years after joining Fox News]. This promotion started what would become one of the longest-running and most successful hosting careers in cable news history.

The morning program rose to become the number one morning show in cable news within just three years under his co-hosting. The show managed to keep this top spot for 23 straight years. These impressive ratings helped raise Doocy's salary and secure his position.

"Fox & Friends" gained serious political influence, especially during the Trump administration. The New York Times called it "the most powerful TV show in America". This raised platform made Doocy even more valuable to the network, supporting his multi-million dollar pay.

After nearly 30 years with the network, Doocy announced a modified role in May 2025. He now works three days weekly from Florida while staying connected to the show that built his career and substantial salary. His knack for connecting with audiences, adapting to changes in the digital world, and delivering consistent ratings success directly led to the substantial financial rewards he receives today.

Books, Side Projects, and Other Income Sources

Steve Doocy earns $4 million from Fox News, but his income goes far beyond that. He's created multiple revenue streams through his books and public speaking. These smart business moves have boosted his overall earnings significantly.

New York Times bestselling cookbooks

Doocy's success as an author comes mainly from cookbooks he writes with his wife, Kathy. Their "Happy Cookbook" series has seen amazing sales numbers. The couple published "Happy Cookbook: A Celebration of the Food That Makes America Smile" in 2018, which became a bestseller. Their next book, "The Happy in a Hurry Cookbook" hit shelves in 2020 and jumped to number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. It became one of America's most popular cookbooks during the pandemic.

The couple added "The Simply Happy Cookbook" to their collection with over 100 easy-to-make recipes that need fewer ingredients. Each book features family photos and personal stories mixed with recipes that help readers connect with the authors.

Their bestselling books include:

• "The Mr. and Mrs. Happy Handbook" – a fun look at marriage that quickly made the New York Times bestseller list]
• "Tales from the Dad Side" – another NYT bestseller about fatherhood

William Morrow and Company, part of HarperCollins, published all four books. Each one landed on the New York Times bestseller list.

Speaking engagements and appearances

Doocy makes extra money through paid speaking events. He charges between $10,000 and $20,000 as a keynote speaker. Based in New York, he takes bookings for corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, and other performances.

Royalties and brand collaborations

Book royalties have become a major part of Doocy's income beyond his Fox News paycheck. His bestsellers keep generating passive income year after year. His Emmy Award and TV fame help sell more books and attract speaking opportunities.

Doocy stands out as "one of the more financially accomplished personalities in cable news".His long TV career and publishing achievements have created diverse income sources that go well beyond his Fox News earnings.

Steve Doocy Net Worth and Lifestyle

Steve Doocy's financial portfolio has grown with his television success and smart investments. The Fox & Friends host built his wealth through property investments and smart career decisions.

Estimated net worth over the years

Steve Doocy's wealth has grown impressively during his Fox News career. His fortune stands at about $14 million, though some sources suggest it's closer to $11 million. This is a big deal as it means that his wealth has grown from just $2 million in 2012.

His steady annual salary of $4 million helped him build substantial assets over two decades with the network. His financial position puts him in the middle tier of wealthy Fox News personalities. He's not at the very top, but he's doing quite well by any measure.

Real estate and property investments

Property investments are a vital part of Doocy's wealth-building approach. Steve and his wife Kathy bought their Wyckoff, New Jersey home for $585,000 in 1994. This investment paid off handsomely when they sold it for $1.8 million in 2025], after listing it at $1.75 million.

The Doocys also own a home in Jupiter, Florida, which they bought for $1 million in 2014. This three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house now serves as their main home after Doocy scaled back his Fox News commitments.

Lifestyle choices and spending habits

Doocy's lifestyle at 68 shows his changing priorities. He announced his step back from full-time work at Fox News after years of early morning commutes from New Jersey to Manhattan. His decision came in part because he grew "increasingly frustrated with his 3:30 a.m. commute" to the network's studio.

Their New Jersey family home, where they raised three children, featured hardwood floors, a two-story great room with fireplace, and a large deck overlooking an acre of land. They updated the kitchen in 2010 and renovated the primary bathroom in 2021, showing they focused on practical improvements rather than lavish upgrades.

Moving to Florida full-time reflects a common path for successful professionals in their later years. They traded the Northeast's climate for warmer weather and possible tax benefits, while keeping their professional network and enjoying more personal time.

Family, Values, and Public Persona

Steve Doocy earns $4 million annually, yet his personal life shows a man who puts family first. His recent career choices reflect a move away from the studio to spend more time with his growing family. Both his core values and public image have grown alongside his successful career at Fox News.

Family background and relationships

Steve Doocy and Kathy Doocy (née Gerrity), a former model and TV sports reporter, tied the knot on June 30, 1986. The couple raised three children: Peter, Mary, and Sally. Peter now works as a Fox News White House correspondent, following his father's career path. People know the Doocys as "Mr. and Mrs. Happy", a nickname that matches their public image and book titles.

Family traditions define Doocy's life. He recorded his children coming downstairs on Christmas morning and managed to keep this ritual until the 2020 pandemic. His relationship with son Peter stands out—Steve was the best man at Peter's wedding, and they connect through calls or texts every day.

Doocy now prioritizes his role as a grandfather. He announced in May 2025 that he would reduce his daily studio appearances. "When my kids were growing up, I never had breakfast with them. I was always here. But starting tomorrow, I'm going to have breakfast with my grandkids and my children whenever I can".

Faith and community involvement

Faith remains the cornerstone of Doocy's worldview. He practices Roman Catholicism and speaks openly about his beliefs during interviews and public appearances. He stands apart from

other public figures by freely discussing prayer and spiritual matters in his professional life.

The Doocys show their steadfast dedication to community service. They support Stand Up for Cancer and the Make-A-Wish Foundation]. Their charitable work centers on organizations that help children and families in need.

Public image and media presence

Doocy's authentic, relaxed persona has made him "one of the most trusted figures in American television". His 2025 announcement about traveling coast-to-coast while contributing commentary shows his evolving relationship with Fox News].

The Doocy's family dinner tradition became so popular they created successful cookbooks from it. "The family would, for the most part, be in the kitchen for at least an hour together," Doocy explained. "That was, I think, the richest family time that we had during their wonder years".

Conclusion

Steve Doocy earns $4 million yearly as one of morning television's highest-paid personalities, showing his immense value to Fox News and viewer popularity. His role as Fox & Friends host has helped build his impressive $14 million net worth. His television news career shows how staying power pays off financially. He started at local stations before joining Fox News in 1996 and became an original Fox & Friends co-host in 1998.

Doocy smartly expanded beyond television by co-authoring New York Times bestselling cookbooks with his wife Kathy. These books and speaking events that pay $10,000-$20,000 per appearance substantially boost his Fox News income. His real estate investments have also grown his wealth, especially his New Jersey home that he bought for $585,000 and later sold for $1.8 million.

Family matters most to Doocy despite his professional achievements. At 68, he recently chose to reduce his Fox News commitments after years of 3:30 a.m. commutes. Working three days weekly from Florida lets him balance work and personal life while staying on television.

Steve Doocy's financial success goes beyond his substantial Fox News paycheck. He built his wealth through decades of television work, smart side projects, and wise investments. He knows how to adapt as life priorities change. His path from small-town journalist to multi-millionaire shows both business smarts and personal values that appeal to viewers for over 25 years.

FAQs

Q1. What is Steve Doocy's annual salary at Fox News?

Steve Doocy earns approximately $4 million per year for his role as co-host of Fox & Friends on Fox News Channel.

Q2. How does Steve Doocy's salary compare to other TV hosts?

While not at the very top of the pay scale, Doocy's $4 million salary places him among the higher-paid personalities in morning television, especially for cable news networks.

Q3. What other sources of income does Steve Doocy have besides his Fox News salary?

In addition to his TV salary, Doocy earns income from New York Times bestselling cookbooks co-authored with his wife, paid speaking engagements, and royalties from his published works.

Q4. Has Steve Doocy's role at Fox News changed recently?

Yes, in May 2025, Doocy announced he would be scaling back to working three days a week from Florida while still maintaining his connection to Fox & Friends.

Q5. What is Steve Doocy's estimated net worth?

Steve Doocy's current net worth is estimated to be approximately $14 million, which has grown significantly from an estimated $2 million in 2012.