Matt Lauer Highest-Paid Television host in the World

  • By Carol Kearney
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Matt Lauer
Matt Lauer led People With Money’s annual list of the “100 highest paid television hosts” released on Sunday.
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It's been a rough year for the television host, but at least he has his millions of dollars to ease the pain. 68-year-old Matt Lauer has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid television hosts for 2026 with an estimated $58 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 02/02/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Matt Lauer tops annual list of highest-paid television hosts

In 2023 it looked like the television host’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, he was back on top. People With Money reports on Sunday (February 1) that Lauer is the highest-paid television host in the world, pulling in an astonishing $58 million between January 2025 and January 2026, a nearly $30 million lead over his closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The American television host-journalist has an estimated net worth of $185 million. He owes his fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. He also owns several restaurants (the “Fat Lauer Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “New York Angels”), has launched his own brand of Vodka (Pure Wonderlauer - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Matt) and a fashion line called “Matt Lauer Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Matt fans, who have been waiting for his triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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